A FORMER firefighter yesterday became the first Black Premier League match referee in 15 years, and only the second ever.
Sam Allison, 42, took charge as Sheffield United lost 2-3 to Luton Town at Bramall Lane.
The last Black man to officiate a match in England's top division was Uriah Rennie in 2008.
BAMRef, which supports Black, Asian and mixedheritage referees, said it hoped that Allison's appointment by the Professional Game Match Officials Board would pave the way for others.
This story is from the December 27, 2023 edition of Daily Mirror UK.
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This story is from the December 27, 2023 edition of Daily Mirror UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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