Rebecca Welch became the first woman in American history to officiate a Premier League game. She was the first woman to ever do so.
In today’s 2-0 loss for the London-based team Fulham vs Burnley at Craven Cottage, the 40-year-old took over as referee.
Three players received yellow cards from referee Rebecca Welch during her first-ever top-tier encounter, and spectators from all over the world were watching her decisions closely.
Willy is a native of Washington. In Tyne and Wear, he started off as a referee for the NHS in 2010.
After presiding over university and Sunday league matches, she advanced through the ranks and, in April 2021, became the first female referee to be appointed for an EFL match.
Read More
Welch was the first woman to serve as a fourth official in the Premier League, having officiated the men’s FA Cup match in January of last year. Last month, Manchester United defeated Fulham 1-0.
Welch received support prior to the match from Fulham manager Marco Silva and Burnley manager Vincent Kompany.
“This is unquestionably a significant achievement,” Kompany declared.
“She would probably be rather proud if she did it herself. Many women would view it as a means of reaching the pinnacle of their sport as well as of success in general.
“Any form of expansion has my unwavering support. Because that’s what it accomplishes—it expands the talent pool.
“We must have access to every skill that exists, including the top referees from the world’s top leagues.
According to Silva, “for us, it will be a typical scenario. When the game begins, it will be another Premier League match in which people with good talent to become managers, players, or referees will compete. Of course, it will be the first time, so everyone will have something to say about it.
Before the game, we didn’t discuss it. Considering that they are ours, this was standard operating procedure for us, much like when she served as the fourth official during our match against Manchester United a few weeks ago.
“We shall always treat officials with respect, and they are cordially invited. She was given this chance because she is deserving of it and has the capacity to perform at the level she will.”
Share this content:
3 Comments