LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 23: match referee Rebecca Welch during the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Burnley FC at Craven Cottage on December 23, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
The English Premier League has its first female referee and Burnley manager Vincent Kompany called it a "milestone moment" on Saturday.
Rebecca Welch controlled Burnley's 2-0 win at Fulham.
Kompany spoke to Welch at fulltime.
“I wanted to congratulate her because it's a big moment,” he said. "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 you have to have a first and this is it, so well done (to her) and I'm happy to be part of this moment.”
Welch was applauded by spectators as she emerged from the tunnel at Craven Cottage.
Get Tri-state area news delivered to your inbox. Sign up for NBC New York's News Headlines newsletter.
She previously made history when she refereed an FA Cup fixture in 2022 and a second-tier Championship match in 2021. Welch has already worked as a fourth official in the Premier League in November.
Soccer
Welch has been a referee since 2010, initially balancing the role with her job in the National Health Service before becoming a full-time match official.
