Bhupinder Singh Gill becomes Premier League's first Sikh-Punjabi assistant referee

Premier League, the top-flight English club football competition, got its first Sikh assistant referee on Wednesday, after Bhupinder Singh Gill stepped onto St Mary's Stadium to run the line for the match between Southampton and Nottingham Forest.

 

 

The 37-year-old followed in the footsteps of his father, Jarnail Singh, who oversaw more than 150 games between 2004 and 2010 and became the first turbaned referee in English Football League history. When Sunny, Bhupinder's brother, presided over a League Two match between Northampton and Hartlepool earlier this season, he made history as the first 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," said Bhupinder.

 

"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.