Rebecca Welch Makes History as Fourth Official for Fulham vs. Manchester United Game

Referee Rebecca Welch is set to make history as she becomes the first woman to take on the role of fourth official in a Premier League match. This groundbreaking moment will occur during Fulham’s clash with Manchester United at Craven Cottage on Saturday, which will be broadcast live on TNT Sports.

The appointment was confirmed by Professional Game Match Officials Limited, who announced on social media that Welch will be part of the officiating team for the lunchtime kick-off. The statement highlighted the significance of this milestone, stating, “History will be made this weekend when Rebecca Welch becomes the first woman referee to act as fourth official in a Premier League match.”

Welch’s impressive rise through the ranks has already seen her achieve notable firsts. In 2021, she became the first woman to officiate an EFL match when she refereed the League Two game between Port Vale and Harrogate Town. The following year, she made history once again by refereeing an FA Cup tie between Birmingham City and Plymouth Argyle.

Joining Welch on the officiating team for the Fulham game will be Sian Massey-Ellis, who has previously served as an assistant referee in the Premier League. Massey-Ellis will take on the role of assistant VAR. Meanwhile, John Brooks will be the referee in charge of the match. However, if Brooks is unable to continue during the game, Welch will step in and assume the role of referee.

To watch the Fulham versus Manchester United match, viewers in England can tune in to TNT Sports 1 or TNT Sports Ultimate. Coverage will begin at 11:00 UK time on Saturday, November 4. Subscriptions to TNT Sports are available through various TV platforms, including discovery+, BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.