Sam Allison will become the first Black referee to officiate in the Premier League for 15 years tonight, and only the second ever.
The 42-year-old former firefighter will take charge of Sheffield United's Boxing Day fixture with Luton Town - marking the first time a Black man will officiate a match in England's top division since Uriah Rennie in 2008.
BAMRef - which offers guidance, support, mentoring and counselling to Black, Asian and mixed heritage referees - said: "We welcome this appointment.
"It is a further step in the right direction towards refereeing reflecting society and the playing contingent within football.
"It is also the culmination of years of hard work by BAMRef members. We hope to work with Howard Webb (Professional Game Match Officials Board chief) to identify and progress more black officials to the top flight."
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