Sunny Singh Gill: First British South Asian Referee in Premier League

Introduction

Referee Sunny Singh Gill is set to make Premier League history this weekend when he takes charge of Crystal Palace v Luton. He will become the first British South Asian to referee a match in the competition. This is another landmark moment for the Singh Gill family, as his father Jarnail remains the first and only English league football referee to wear a turban, and his brother Bhupinder became the first Sikh-Punjabi to serve as a Premier League assistant referee.

Referees Outside of PGMOL's Select Group

Sunny will be the seventh referee outside of PGMOL's Select Group to take charge of a Premier League match this season. The previous referees outside of the Select Group who officiated in the Premier League this season are Sam Allison, Sam Barrott, Bobby Madley, Josh Smith, Rebecca Welch, and Lewis Smith.

Sunny's Journey

Sunny's passion for football runs in the family. He and his brother grew up loving the game, and their father's involvement as a referee inspired them. Sunny took charge of his first Sunday League match at the age of 17 and has been working hard to improve his skills. In April 2021, Sunny and Bhupinder became the first pair of British South Asians to officiate in the same Championship match. Sunny has been training with the help of the PGMOL and his coaches and now aims to fulfill his dream of becoming the first South Asian to referee in the Premier League.

Conclusion

Sunny Singh Gill's upcoming match as a referee in the Premier League marks a historic moment as he becomes the first British South Asian to officiate in the competition. This achievement is part of a family legacy, with his father being the first English league football referee to wear a turban and his brother being the first Sikh-Punjabi to serve as a Premier League assistant referee. Sunny's journey in football has been fueled by his passion for the game and his determination to succeed. His hard work and dedication have led him to this milestone, and he now sets his sights on becoming the first South Asian to referee in the Premier League. This momentous occasion serves as an inspiration for aspiring referees and highlights the importance of diversity and representation in the world of football.