An English Premier League match is to be officiated by a woman referee for the first time next week.Official Rebecca Welch is set to make history in becoming the first woman to referee a top flight game.
The whistler will take charge of Fulham's clash with Burnley at Craven Cottage on December 23. Welch has already been a history-maker after being the first woman to be appointed to referee an English Football League game when she took charge of Harrogate Town vs Port Vale over two and a half years ago.
Welch also became the first female to be involved in a top flight clash when she was fourth official in Manchester United's 1-0 win over Fulham last month.
In another landmark moment for referees, official Sam Allison will also become the first black referee in the Premier League since Uriah Rennie in 2008, and only the second black referee ever in the top flight.
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