Sam Allison excellent as he became first black ref in 15 years in controversial game.. it’s great for football & society

SAM ALLISON had an excellent game as he became the first black official to referee a Premier League match since my former colleague Uriah Rennie 15 years ago.

He dealt with the Sheffield United vs Luton game well and also correctly managed the situation with Carlton Morris when the Hatters striker reported alleged racist abuse aimed at him from the home end.

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Sam Allison made history as he became the first black referee to officiate in the Premier League since Uriah Rennie[/caption]

The alleged incident was reported to fourth official Andy Madley and Allison walked over, explained the situation to both managers and checked Morris was OK before resuming the game.

He followed the protocols in a calm and professional manner.

Allison will have detailed the incident in an ‘extraordinary report’ to the FA once he returned home last night and the governing body and both clubs will work closely with the police and relevant authorities to establish the facts and take any necessary action.

We don’t want to see racism at any time, but the fact the alleged incident occurred right towards the end of the match would have helped the officials.

If it had happened earlier on, the match would have been stopped for longer, security staff would have been called to the area of the stadium in question and a PA announcement would have been read out.

Overall though, the talk after the match was about the football rather than the officials which is a sign of a good refereeing performance.

It is great Allison had a decent game, just as Rebecca Welch did when taking charge of Burnley’s win at Fulham on Saturday.

That is what the PGMOL wanted and it is good for football, the Premier League and society that they came through unscathed.

PGMOL head Howard Webb had said on both of the refs ahead of this weekend: “They are both part of the PGMOL development group which fast-tracks talented officials through the pathway.

“We have already seen three officials from the group take charge of their first Premier League games and now we have number four and five and it shows the value of that work.

“We have not seen a female take charge of a Premier League game before so it’s significant, and Sam being the first black official with a whistle in the Premier League since Uriah Rennie.

“It demonstrates people can make it through the pathway from groups that are not traditionally well represented.”