At 42, Sam Allison beat the “record” of his predecessor, Uriah Rennie, by becoming the first black referee to officiate in the prestigious English championship since 2008. He was in charge of the Sheffield United-Luton Town match on Tuesday, December 26 .
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With our correspondent in London, Marie Böeda
A black referee in the Premier League. It’s been 15 years since this happened. Sam Allison is the second in the history of the English football championship. He officiated this Tuesday, December 26 for the Sheffield United-Luton Town match.
Sam Allison remembers his first whistle being intimidating, because at the time no one supported him, he says. It was 12 years ago. The native of Chippenham in the south of England played for Swindon, Bristol City, Bournemouth and Exeter, he has since managed 100 matches in the Championship, the equivalent of the Second Division, including six this season.
His wish ? Be a role model. He already said it on Skynews two years ago. “ It’s hard to believe it if you don’t see it. I want to be that point of contact. We don’t want equality just for black people, but for everyone. Why couldn’t I do it? I will do it. I have to do it “.
The head of refereeing Howard Webb keeps his promise, he who wanted more diversity. And for Sam Allison, it’s a dream come true
At 42, the former footballer, also a firefighter in Dorset and Wiltshire in the south of the country, admits he never reached the top as a football player. He hopes to do so as a referee.