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Sunny Singh Gill to become 1st British South Asian to referee in Premier League


Sunny Singh Gill is all set to script Premier League history by becoming the first British South Asian to officiate a match in the competition. The Premier League announced on March 4th, 2024 that Gill would take charge of the Crystal Palace vs Luton game, marking a significant milestone not only for him but also for the representation of British South Asians in top-tier football refereeing.

Sunny will be the seventh referee outside PGMOL’s (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) Select Group to officiate a Premier League game this season, joining Sam Allison, Sam Barrott, Bobby Madley, Josh Smith, Rebecca Welch, and Lewis Smith. Gill’s journey to this historic moment began at the tender age of 17 when he officiated his first Sunday League match. His passion and dedication to football were inherited from his family, with his father, Jarnail Singh, being a pioneering figure as the first EFL referee to wear a turban during a match between Bristol Rovers and Bury in August 2004. Jarnail Singh’s career spanned almost 200 EFL matches until 2010, setting a precedent for his sons.

Sunny Singh Gill’s brother, Bhupinder, also made headlines as the first Sikh-Punjabi to serve as a Premier League assistant referee in January 2023, further showcasing the family’s deep-rooted connection to football. In April 2021, Sunny and Bhupinder became the first pair of British South Asians to officiate in the same Championship match, highlighting their ascent in the world of football refereeing.

Before achieving his dream of refereeing in the Premier League, Sunny took charge of his first EFL match in August 2022, overseeing a League Two fixture between Northampton and Hartlepool. His commitment to excellence and continuous improvement, supported by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) and his coaches, has been instrumental in his rise through the ranks.

At 39 years old, Sunny Singh Gill’s historic appointment is not just a personal achievement but a beacon of inspiration for the younger generation and a testament to the progress being made towards greater diversity and inclusion within football. His story, deeply intertwined with his family’s legacy, serves as a powerful reminder of the possibilities that lie ahead for aspiring referees from all backgrounds.

Published By:

Saurabh Kumar

Published On:

Mar 4, 2024



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