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Rebecca Welch\u2019s historic appointment to officiate a Premier League match has been welcomed by Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.<\/p>\n
The 40-year-old Welch will become the first female referee in top-flight history when she takes charge of the Fulham v Burnley match on December 23.<\/p>\n
Welch was also fourth official for the Cottagers\u2019 home game against Manchester United last month.<\/p>\n
Howe applauded the decision to appoint Welch, who is from Washington in Tyne and Wear, and said: \u201cI think it\u2019s a great moment.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor me, it\u2019s got to be based on ability, not gender, ability to referee and I fully support it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sam Allison will become the first black man to referee a top-flight match in 15 years when he takes charge of the Sheffield United v Luton game on Boxing Day.<\/p>\n
Kick It Out also welcomed the news of Welch and Allison\u2019s appointments.<\/p>\n
\u201cReferees up and down the land are waking up this morning and thinking there are no barriers to get to the top,\u201d the anti-discrimination charity posted on X.<\/p>\n
\u201cVisibility matters. Well done to @FA_PGMOL and organisations like @BAMERef for helping to create those journeys. There are many more inspirational stories to be told.\u201d<\/p>\n
BAMREF, a group offering guidance, support, mentoring and counselling to black, Asian and mixed heritage referees, also welcomed the news regarding Allison.<\/p>\n
\u201cSam\u2019s appointment is another significant step in the right direction towards refereeing reflecting society and the playing contingent within football,\u201d a group statement read.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is a culmination of years of hard work by BAMREF members and we hope to continue our work further with both the FA and PGMOL leadership to identify and progress more officials from black, Asian and mixed heritage communities.\u201d<\/p>\n