Bhupinder Singh Gill: First Sikh to Officiate a Premier League Game

By officiating a Premier League match between Southampton and Nottingham on January 11, assistant referee Bhupinder Singh Gill became the first Sikh-Punjabi referee to do so in a Premier League game. The 37-year-old continued the legacy of his father Jarnail Singh, who was English football league’s first turban wearing referee, having officiated more than 150 matches in the second division.

Interestingly, Bhupinder’s brother, Sunny scripted history by becoming first British South Asian referee, earlier this season when he officiated a League Two game between Northampton and Hartlepool.

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Proud moment:

“This has to be the proudest and most exciting moment in my refereeing journey, but I am not getting carried away as it is just another step in the direction to where I want to get to. Hopefully this is another moment to help inspire the next generation to sign up to a refereeing course and get into officiating,” Singh told Sky Sports.

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Massive for South Asian community:

While speaking to Sky Sports, Jarnail expressed happiness over his son’s achievements and stated that Bhupinder’s feat is massive for the Sikh community and all South Asians who dream of a career in the game.

“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 glory- whether that is in terms of family life, education or sport,” concluded Singh.

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