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Rebecca Welch\u2019s historic appointment to officiate a Premier League match has been welcomed by Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.<\/p>\n
The 40-year-old Welch will become the first female referee in top-flight history when she takes charge of the Fulham v Burnley match on December 23.<\/p>\n
Welch was also fourth official for the Cottagers\u2019 home game against Manchester United last month.<\/p>\n
Howe applauded the decision to appoint Welch and said: \u201cI think it\u2019s a great moment.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor me, it\u2019s got to be based on ability, not gender, ability to referee and I fully support it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sam Allison will become the first black man to referee a top-flight match in 15 years when he takes charge of the Sheffield United v Luton game on Boxing Day.<\/p>\n
Kick It Out also welcomed the news of Welch and Allison\u2019s appointments.<\/p>\n
\u201cReferees up and down the land are waking up this morning and thinking there are no barriers to get to the top,\u201d the anti-discrimination charity posted on X.<\/p>\n
\u201cVisibility matters. Well done to @FA_PGMOL and organisations like @BAMERef for helping to create those journeys. There are many more inspirational stories to be told.\u201d<\/p>\n