Vincent Kompany commends Rebecca Welch for her groundbreaking achievement as the Premier League’s inaugural female referee.

On December 23, 2023, Referee Rebecca Welch achieved a historic milestone by becoming the inaugural female official to oversee a Premier League game. The match in focus occurred at Craven Cottage in London, England, involving Fulham FC and Burnley FC. Welch’s remarkable display was evidenced by her distribution of three yellow cards and skillful handling of the VAR system, successfully averting any contentious situations. Post-match, Burnley manager Vincent Kompany expressed his admiration for Welch’s performance, taking the chance to extend his congratulations for this notable accomplishment. Kompany expressed his desire to offer his congratulations to her, as he believed that apart from her exceptional performance, this was a significant moment. He emphasized that during the game, the focus should be on the players and not the referee or the coach. However, he acknowledged that after the game, it is reasonable to recognize this as a milestone occasion, and he hoped that there would be many more like it. He believed that the most ideal situation is when people are evaluated based on their abilities, but it is necessary to have a first moment. He concluded by expressing his happiness in being a part of this moment. Marco Silva, the manager of Fulham, expressed no dissatisfaction with Welch’s performance as a referee, characterizing it as a “typical display.” This positive evaluation further emphasizes Welch’s skill and professionalism on the pitch.

Welch’s journey as a referee has been marked by numerous significant moments. In July 2021, she made history by being the first woman to officiate an EFL match, taking charge of the League Two clash between Harrogate Town and Port Vale. Additionally, she achieved another milestone by becoming the first woman to serve as a fourth official in the technical area during Manchester United’s 1-0 victory over Fulham earlier this month. Welch has been involved in numerous prominent games in women’s soccer, such as refereeing the FA Cup finals in 2017 and 2020 at Wembley, as well as officiating matches in the upcoming 2022 European Championship and the 2023 Women’s World Cup.

Earlier this month, the PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) declared Welch’s selection, which represents a notable advancement towards promoting diversity and inclusivity in football. Furthermore, Sam Allison is poised to create history as the first Black referee in a Premier League match since 2008, alongside Welch’s remarkable achievement. Welch’s historic achievement as the inaugural female referee in a Premier League game is a significant event for football. It symbolizes advancements and equal participation in the sport, and her triumph opens doors for further prospects for women in refereeing positions.