EPL history made as referee Rebecca Welch handles Fulham-Burnley

LONDON — The English Premier League has its first feminine referee, and Burnley supervisor Vincent Kompany known as it a “milestone moment” on Saturday.

Rebecca Welch managed Burnley’s 2-0 win at Fulham.

Kompany spoke to Welch at full-time.

“I wanted to congratulate her because it’s a big moment,” he stated. “It’s fair to say that it’s a milestone moment, and may there be more, and the best thing will always be when someone is judged on merit.

“But it’s a must to have a primary, and that is it. So, well-done [to her], and I’m completely satisfied to be a part of this second.”

Welch was applauded by spectators as she emerged from the tunnel at Craven Cottage.

She beforehand made history when she refereed an FA Cup fixture in 2022 and a second-tier Championship match in 2021. Welch already had labored as a fourth official within the Premier League in November.

Welch has been a referee since 2010, initially balancing the position together with her job within the National Health Service earlier than turning into a full-time match official.