Sunny Singh Gill is poised to make history as the first British South Asian referee to officiate a Premier League match. His father, Jarnail, has already left a mark in the world of football refereeing by being the first English league referee to don a turban during matches. The Gill family has established a proud tradition of refereeing, with Jarnail officiating 150 matches between 2004 and 2010, paving the way for his sons to follow in his footsteps.
In a significant milestone, Sunny Singh Gill recently officiated a League 2 game between Northampton and Hartlepool. This achievement marked him as the first British South Asian to referee a league game since his father’s tenure more than a decade ago. Additionally, Singh Gill’s younger brother, Bhupinder, made history by becoming the first Sikh-Punjabi assistant referee in a Premier League game. The two brothers made headlines in April 2021 when they officiated in the same Championship game, becoming the first British South Asian pair to do so.
Sunny Singh Gill’s upcoming Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Luton Town reflects a shift towards greater diversity in the league’s officiating crew. He will join a select group of referees outside of PGMOL’s Select Group to oversee a Premier League game this season. This lineup includes referees like Sam Allison, Sam Barrott, Bobby Madley, Josh Smith, Rebecca Welch, and Lewis Smith. Notably, Rebecca Welch made history by becoming the first woman to referee a Premier League match during the match between Fulham and Burnley in December last year.
Overall, Sunny Singh Gill’s journey in the world of football refereeing is a testament to breaking barriers and paving the way for greater inclusivity and representation in the sport. His accomplishments, alongside his father and brother, showcase the importance of diversity in officiating roles and highlight the talent and dedication of individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. As Singh Gill steps onto the field to referee the Premier League match, he not only makes history but also inspires a new generation of aspiring referees from diverse communities.