.
Receive Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter for free by signing up and having it delivered directly to your inbox.
Subscribe to Miguel Delaney’s weekly newsletter, free of charge.
On Saturday, Sunny Singh Gill achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first ever referee from a British south Asian background. However, his decision was disapproved by former Premier League referee Mike Dean.
Gill was seen signing signatures for supporters right before making his way into the tunnel at halftime of the Crystal Palace versus Luton game.
Dean was upset that Gill was signing autographs during the game, stating it was inappropriate.
The ex-referee, during an interview with Sky Sports Gillette Soccer Labs, was questioned about signing autographs. He replied, “I did, but only after 300 games. I fail to see the purpose. (Gill) has no chance now.”
“If something happens in the second half, which I’ll guarantee the way refereeing goes sometimes, but you don’t sign autographs. Maybe when you’re warming up before the game but not at half time when you’ve got a game to do. It’s just bang out of order.”
During the actual game, Cauley Woodrow scored a goal in the final moments to secure a draw for Luton, who are facing the threat of relegation. Selhurst Park saw the home team regretting their missed opportunities to win the match.
Gill’s father Jarnail Singh was also a referee, and his brother Bhupinder became the first Sikh Premier League assistant referee for the match between Southampton and Norwich in January 2023.
From 2004 to 2010, Jarnail served as a referee for the English Football League and officiated more than 150 games.
It has been an unprecedented year in the Premier League, as Sam Allison made history as the first black referee in over 15 years. Additionally, Rebecca Welch broke barriers as the first female referee to officiate a match in the English top flight. She was in the center for Fulham’s game against Burnley at Craven Cottage in December.
In July, the Football Association declared intentions to enlist 1,000 officials from a range of backgrounds over the upcoming three years.
Source: independent.co.uk
