Former referee Jarnail Singh said he was “extremely proud” and “inspirational” to watch his son Sunny Singh Gill make history as the first South Asian British referee in the Premier League. “It's going to be a moment,” he said.
Sunny's journey to the top of English football began as a teenager when his father took him and his younger brother Bhupinder to run the lines at tournaments in Asia.
“The word pride doesn't apply,” Jarnail told BBC Sport before Sunny took charge of Crystal Palace against Luton Town on Saturday.
“As parents, we all want our children to surpass this in life. [beyond] Whatever you have achieved, it is not only for Sunny but also for Bhupinder.
“Both have exceeded our expectations and are very proud moments for our family, friends, community and Sikhs. Honestly, it's very emotional.”
Bhupinder became the first Sikh to serve as an assistant referee in the Premier League when he lined up for Southampton's match against Nottingham Forest in January 2023.
Mr. Jarnail was a referee in the English Football League from 2004 to 2010.
Asked if he had any advice for Sunny ahead of his Top League debut, Jarnail joked, “Yes, just do the opposite of everything I do!”
“No, you know, he's his own man. He knows as much as I do.
“He's got the right coach in that he's got a psychologist under him and he's got everyone who supports him and has continued to support him over the last two years since he joined ERDP.” [Elite Referee Development Plan].
“I have full confidence in what they've done and what they're doing. I'm confident he'll be mentally and physically ready for this weekend's game.”
In 2022, Sunny was promoted from the National League to the EFL by Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), which is responsible for appointing referees in English leagues.
PGMOL's ERDP says he will quit his job as a prison officer to focus on his refereeing career and find “time to train, develop and attend meetings with Premier League referees and Championship referees”. Allowed.
At the beginning of this season, Sam Allison becomes first black referee He will officiate a Premier League match for the first time in 15 years. Rebecca Welch becomes first female referee Responsible for tournament matches.
The Football Association has set targets to increase the diversity of match referees across the football pyramid, with a target of 1,000 female referees and 1,000 black or Asian referees at all levels by 2026. I want it.
FA and PGMOL We have also started efforts “It aims to strengthen the pathway between the grassroots and elite game for match officials from historically underrepresented communities.”
“You've probably heard the saying, 'If you can't see it, you can't be it,'” Jarnail says. “If Sonny steps out and hosts on Saturday, the rest of the diverse group will say, 'If Sonny can do it, we can do it because he's one of us.'
“When you think about this year, he's a great role model as well as his brother and other people involved in the game.” [assistant referee] There are Akil Howson, Sam Allison and Rebecca Welch, who play Premier League games all year round, as well as other players from minority groups who are given similar opportunities further down the pyramid. ”
He added: “It's just the beginning. Let's see what happens. The most important thing is that Sonny understands it, but it's not the end.”
Crystal Palace's new manager Oliver Glasner said before Friday's game: “It's great because it shows that everything is possible for everyone…I think it's a great statement for the Premier League.”
“There's only one moment in life when everything is new. For him, it's the first time he's refereed in the Premier League. He deserved it because he had a great performance as a referee. “I don't need the advice of myself.” “
