Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has expressed his support for Rebecca Welch as she prepares to

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has expressed his support for Rebecca Welch as she prepares to make history as the first female referee in the Premier League. Welch, from Washington, is set to officiate the game between Fulham and Burnley on Saturday, December 23.

Howe commended the momentous occasion, emphasizing that the appointment should be based on the individual’s refereeing ability rather than gender. The 40-year-old Welch, who began her refereeing career in 2010 while working in the NHS, has since become a full-time referee. She recently served as the fourth official in Fulham’s match against Manchester United.

Kick It Out, an organization dedicated to challenging discrimination and promoting inclusivity in football, also welcomed Welch’s historic appointment. In a statement on social media, the organization highlighted the significance of visibility and praised the Football Association’s Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) and organizations like BAME Ref for contributing to the breaking down of barriers in football.

Rebecca Welch’s impressive refereeing career includes being the first woman appointed to referee an English Football League (EFL) match in 2021. She has officiated matches at the UEFA Women’s European Championship in 2022, the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023, and Championship matches. Her accomplishments also extend to high-profile matches in the Women’s Super League and refereeing the Women’s FA Cup finals at Wembley Stadium in 2017 and 2020.

Welch’s groundbreaking achievements serve as an inspiration, and her journey reflects the positive changes in football towards greater inclusivity and diversity.