In 2020, Sam Allison rose to prominence in the Football League and advanced to the Championship earlier this year. December 26 marks a historic moment as Allison will be the first black referee to lead a Premier League match in 15 years, overseeing the game between Sheffield United and Luton Town.
Ashley Hickson-Lovence, a semi-professional referee, views Allison’s appointment with mixed feelings, acknowledging its significance but lamenting its rarity. “It’s a commendable achievement, yet we have much ground to cover,” Hickson-Lovence shared with Sport Newes Center.
Allison, 42, a former firefighter, was selected for this role by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), committed to diversifying match officials. The organization aims to add 1,000 female and 1,000 black or Asian referees across all football levels within three years.
Uriah Rennie, the first black Premier League referee, served from 1997 to 2008. Ian Wright, a former Arsenal player and now a pundit, remembers Rennie’s time and the challenges he faced, particularly in terms of player interaction and the pressures of being a black referee in a high-profile position.
Despite Rennie’s notable career, his tenure didn’t lead to a surge in referees of color in top-flight football. “It’s perplexing why more haven’t ascended to the elite level,” Wright comments, advocating for diversity in football.
Howard Webb, PGMOL’s head of refereeing, called Allison’s assignment a “critical juncture,” coinciding with Rebecca Welch’s historic role as the first female referee in a Premier League game. Webb emphasizes the inclusivity of refereeing for those passionate about football and possessing the necessary skills.
In England, over 32,000 referees operate at various levels, with about 8% identifying as black, Asian, or mixed heritage. However, this percentage drops to 2.5% in the professional men’s game.
Hickson-Lovence, who once aspired to be a professional player, turned to refereeing as a way to stay connected to the sport he loves. He reached level four in refereeing, a stage often difficult for black referees to progress beyond, leading him to eventually step away from officiating in 2019 due to perceived career stagnation.
The Football Association has launched a new refereeing strategy aimed at making the field more inclusive and addressing potential systemic barriers to advancement. This strategy focuses on enhancing diversity among match officials and providing support at all levels.
Encouraged by recent developments, Hickson-Lovence has returned to refereeing, hoping to guide others through the officiating ranks. He believes that having black officials like Rennie and Allison is vital for inspiring future generations and acknowledges the FA’s efforts in fostering positive changes in the sport.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Black Premier League Referee
Who is Sam Allison and what is his significance in the Premier League?
Sam Allison is a referee who, on December 26, became the first black referee to officiate a Premier League match in 15 years. His appointment is a significant step in addressing the lack of diversity among football match officials at the top levels of English football.
What was the reaction to Sam Allison’s appointment in the Premier League?
The reaction to Sam Allison’s appointment was mixed. While it was seen as a significant achievement and a step towards greater diversity, some, like semi-professional referee Ashley Hickson-Lovence, felt it was a development that should be more common.
Who was the first black referee in the Premier League, and when did he serve?
Uriah Rennie was the first black referee in the Premier League. He served from 1997 to 2008, officiating over 300 top-flight fixtures.
What are the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL)’s goals for diversity?
PGMOL has set targets to increase diversity among match officials, aiming to introduce 1,000 women referees and 1,000 black or Asian referees at all levels of football within three years.
How does the current diversity statistics in English football refereeing look?
In England, over 32,000 referees operate at various levels. About 8% identify as black, Asian, or mixed heritage, but this figure drops to 2.5% in the men’s professional game.
What challenges do black referees face in advancing their careers?
Black referees, like Ashley Hickson-Lovence, often face challenges in progressing beyond certain levels in the officiating hierarchy, commonly experiencing stagnation at level four, known as ‘the referees’ graveyard’. Factors like perceived bias and systemic barriers are cited as key challenges.
What measures are being taken to improve diversity in football refereeing?
The Football Association has launched a new refereeing strategy focused on inclusivity, aiming to remove systemic barriers and encourage more people from underrepresented groups to pursue refereeing. This includes supporting referees from diverse backgrounds at all levels of the game.
More about Black Premier League Referee
- Sam Allison’s Premier League Debut
- Uriah Rennie’s Refereeing Career
- PGMOL Diversity Initiatives
- Football Association’s Refereeing Strategy
- Challenges for Black Referees in Football
- Diversity Statistics in English Football Refereeing
5 comments
sam allison sounds like a trailblazer, good on him! hope to see more diversity in football soon
the stats are a bit shocking, only 2.5% in the pro game? we need to do better in football.
interesting article but you missed a couple of key points about the challenges in the refereeing system..
wow, didn’t know it took 15 years for another black referee in the Premier League, that’s crazy!
Uriah Rennie was a legend, glad to see him getting some recognition here. he paved the way for sure.