Premier League: In the Premier League match between Southampton and Nottingham Forest on Wednesday, Bhupinder Singh Gill created headlines by becoming the first Sikh assistant referee. Bhupinder’s father Jarnail Singh, who officiated more than 150 EFL games between 2004 and 2010, but none in the Premier Professional, was the first turbaned referee in English league football.
Bhupinder Singh creates history
In the Combined Counties League and at competitions hosted by the Khalsa Football Federation (KFF), Trailblazer Jarnail is still working as a referee.
In attendance at the game at St. Mary’s to witness his youngest son create history, Jarnail, who has prior Premier League experience as a fourth official, was beaming with pride. His father said, “For the Sikh community and all South Asians who dream of a career in the game, seeing Bhupinder officiate in the Premier League is absolutely massive.”
Continuing further, he said “As a father, you can imagine I am very proud to see Bhupinder in the Premier League. It’s every father’s dream to see their children succeed, and do better than them, and achieve more – whether that is in terms of family life, education or sport. His hunger for it has been phenomenal in the last few years and I hope both he and my eldest son Sunny can help encourage more South Asians to take up refereeing.”
What did Bhupinder say before match?
Speaking to media, Bhupinder said “This has to be the proudest and most exciting moment in my refereeing journey, 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.”
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