Sikh-Punjabi assistant referee Bhupinder Singh Gill makes English football history

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Trailblazer Bhupinder Singh Gill made history in clash between Southampton and Nottingham Forest as he became the first Sikh to act as an assistant referee in the Premier League.

Bhupinder is a PE teacher and the youngest son of the first turbaned referee in English Football League history, Jarnail Singh. Jarnail refereed more than 150 matches across the divisions between 2004 and 2010, and has previously acted as a fourth official in the Premier League.

Bhupinder’s elder brother Sunny is also an EFL referee.

Speaking in the build-up to the game, Singh Gill said: “This has to be the proudest and most exciting moment in my refereeing journey so far, but I’m not getting carried away as it is just another step in the direction to where I want to get to.

“My family are also really proud and excited for me. I wouldn’t be in this situation if it wasn’t for my dad, who has supported me throughout my journey and been a role model for me.”

“Hopefully, this is another moment to help inspire the next generation to sign up to a refereeing course and get into officiating.

“My dream has always been to reach the top of the game, be a role model for future officials and encourage more people from diverse backgrounds into officiating, especially from a South Asian background just like me.”