Bhupinder Singh Gill to script historical past as Premier League’s first Sikh-Punjabi referee

Bhupinder Singh Gill will make historical past on Wednesday when he runs the road for the match between Southampton and Nottingham Forest, changing into the primary Sikh-Punjabi to function an assistant referee in a Premier League sport.

London,UPDATED: Jan 4, 2023 23:07 IST

Bhupinder Singh to script historical past as Premier League’s first Sikh-Punjabi referee (PL Photo)

By India Today Web Desk: Bhupinder Singh Gill will script historical past on Wednesday when he’s named as the primary Sikh-Punjabi referee to officiate in a Premier League match throughout Southampton’s sport in opposition to Nottingham Forest. The 37-year-old will comply with within the footsteps of his father, Jarnail Singh, who oversaw greater than 150 video games between 2004 and 2010 and have become the English Football League’s first turbaned referee.

Sunny, Bhupinder’s brother, made historical past earlier this season when he presided over a League Two match between Northampton and Hartlepool, changing into the primary British South Asian referee since his father.

“This has to be the proudest and most exciting moment in my refereeing journey so far, but I’m not getting carried away as it is just another step in the direction to where I want to get to. My family are also really proud and excited for me. I wouldn’t be in this situation if it wasn’t for my dad, who has supported me throughout my journey and been a role model for me. He’s taken leave from work to make sure he attends the game alongside my wife and son. It’ll be special to have them there,” Bhupinder mentioned as quoted by ESPN.

Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), the organisation in control of overseeing refereeing in England, has applauded Gill’s appointment, based on Howard Webb, the group’s chief refereeing officer. Webb, a former Premier League official who left the Professional Referee Organization for Major League Soccer in December and returned to England, oversaw the 2010 World Cup last.

“Hopefully this is another moment to help inspire the next generation to sign up to a refereeing course and get into officiating. My dream has always been to reach the top of the game, be a role model for future officials and encourage more people from diverse backgrounds into officiating, especially from a South Asian background just like me,” added Gill.

Published On:

Jan 4, 2023