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Howard Webb says Sikh-Punjabi match official Bhupinder Singh Gill will bring a message of hope to the different ethnic communities as he makes his historic Premier League debut.
Sky Sports News broke the news that Singh Gill will become the first Sikh to become an assistant referee in Premier League history when Southampton host Nottingham Forest on Wednesday.
Bhupinder’s brother, Sunny, is the highest-ranking umpire of South Asian heritage in the country, with Sky Sports News announced in June last year that Sunny has been promoted to the EFL National match referee group.
Sunny followed in his father’s footsteps earlier in the season when he took charge of Northampton vs Hartlepool becoming the first English South Asian to referee a league match since his father Jarnail Singh more than a decade ago.
Jarnail took charge of more than 150 English Football League matches between 2004 and 2010 and had previously worked as part of the same officiating crew as Webb.
Webb, who officiated at the 2010 World Cup final, has just taken up his new role as the first chief refereeing officer at the body responsible for appointing Premier League officials, Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL).
Webb feels the Premier League is fortunate to be able to call upon an assistant referee of Bhupinder’s calibre, encouraging the 37-year-old to shine at St Mary’s on Wednesday night.
“First of all, I’m delighted that Bhupinder has been given this appointment in the Premier League – for him as an individual, and for the recognition of a talented and dedicated official, to have worked at that level,” Webb told Sky Sports News.
“He comes from a family with a lot of referees.
“Jarnail’s father is a legendary referee in our eyes, he is a good referee and a good friend. He was the first referee to wear a turban in a professional game, so he stands up and puts pressure on you as a referee. He is obviously very impressive and a role model well done to those who followed, including sons Bhupinder and Sunny.
“Bhupinder’s commitment to the Premier League and the best league in the world will show a wider audience what is possible for people from different backgrounds.
Howard Webb says the Premier League is fortunate to be able to count on the ability and expertise of Bhupinder Singh Gill
“It will give England more [South] Asian girls have the opportunity to see people who look like them do what they thought was impossible before.
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Bhupinder and Sunny Singh Gill spoke directly to Sky Sports News in the morning they made English Football League history as the first pair of British South Asians to officiate in the same Championship game.
“It’s a great opportunity to use Bhupinder’s expertise in a capacity as a role model, but also for us to have his ability as an official – because he’s good at what he does. He’ll give a good performance in the same way Sunny did. in the Football League.”
The Singh Gills brothers will be part of the third round of the FA Cup
It also promises to be a weekend to remember for the Singh Gill brothers, with both sides in action at the main stadium during the third round of the FA Cup.
Bhupinder will get a fantastic reception from Punjabi Villans on his return to Premier League ground when Aston Villa host League Two Stevenage at Villa Park on Sunday.
Sunny will be cheered on by Punjabi Rams’ award-winning 2021 Fans for Diversity supporters group when he referees in front of the biggest crowd of his career as Derby County host Barnsley at Pride Park.
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Punjabi Rams founder Pav Samra said Bhupinder and Sunny showed a different path to football for youngsters from British South Asia.
Punjabi Rams founder Pav Samra described the Singh Gill brothers as role models for South Asian youngsters who represented an alternative path to football.
Webb added: “I like him, I’ve known the family for a long time and I’ve kept in touch with him as he’s gone through his refereeing career.
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The first Sikh woman in the history of Parliament, Preet Kaur Gill MP, told Sky Sports News Bhupinder it will be a proud moment for Sikhs when Bhupinder and Sunny Singh Gill officiate in the same Championship game.
“I know him [Bhupinder and Sunny] as a teenager who is not a referee but sees his father as a trailblazer and wants to follow in his footsteps.
“I’m glad he got that opportunity and was able to show other aspiring officials what he can do and I know he’s going to do a great job.”
English South Asia in football
For more stories, features and videos, visit our Football South Asia page on skysports.com and stay tuned to Sky Sports News and our Sky Sports digital platform.
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