Rebecca Welch on Saturday, December 23 made history when she became the first woman to referee an English Premier League match.
Welch maintained a quiet but calm authority when she officiated the Fulham vs Burnley match at Craven Cottage.
Inside the first 10 minutes, a no-nonsense Welch had turned down two major appeals for fouls, giving the strong impression that she anticipated a physical match.
After 25 minutes, Welch was the subject of boos and chants of “You don’t know what you’re doing” from a section of Fulham supporters. This was when she booked Fulham’s Calvin Bassey for a foul on Josh Brownhill.
Just before half time, Welch turned down a down a Fulham penalty appeal for handball. Video Assistant Referee (VAR) supported her decision, but this further put her on a collision path with the home supporters.
Burnley manager Vincent Kompany congratulated Welch after the full-time whistle.
“After the game it’s fair to say that it’s a milestone moment and may there be more, and the best thing will always be when someone is judged on merit.
“But you have to have a first and this is it, so well done [to her] and I’m happy to be part of this moment.”
Rebecca Welch: trailblazer in men football
The 40-year-old — who became a part-time referee in 2010 before becoming a full-time official in 2019 — has always been a trailblazer in men’s football.
In January 2023, she became the first woman to referee a men’s fixture in the Championship. She was also the first woman to work as fourth official at a Premier League match during Manchester United’s win at Fulham last month.
Welch was also the first woman to take charge of a men’s FA Cup match in January 2022.
A native of Washington in Tyne and Wear, Welch has also starred in the Women’s Super League.
World football governing body recognised her work in December 2020 by adding her to the list of Fifa’s elite list of international match officials, before refereeing at the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in 2023.
“She went to the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. She has been exposed to some big games and is a really good model for women and girls to think refereeing is for them when previously they didn’t,” referees’ chief Howard Webb told BBC Sport.
