The first Sikh to act as an assistant referee in the premier league was Bhupinder Singh Gill, who was in charge of the game between Saints and Forest.

Sky Sports News broke the news of Singh Gill's historic appointment, with the PE teacher lining up alongside another assistant referee for the game. He was the referee for the game.

The first turbaned referee in English football, Jarnail Singh, took charge of more than 150 games in the English Football League between 2004 and 2010, but never in the top flight.

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As a referee, Jarnail still works in the Combined Counties League and the KFF tournaments.

As he attended the match at St Mary's to watch his youngest son make history, Jarnail was very proud and happy.

Bhupinder Singh Gill ahead of debut Southampton vs Forest

Bhupinder Singh gill ahead of debut
Image: Bhupinder Singh Gill makes his Premier League debut

"For the Sikh community and all South Asians who dream of a career in the game, seeing Bhupinder officiating in the premier league is absolutely massive," he said.

I am very proud to see my son in the premier league. Every father's dream is to see their children succeed, do better than them, and achieve more, regardless of family life, education or sport.

Bhupinder's achievement shows what you can do with hard work and passion.

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I hope he and my son can help encourage more South Asians to take up refereeing, as his hunger for it has been phenomenal in the last few years.

This has to be the proudest and most exciting moment in my refereeing journey so far, but I'm not getting carried away as it is just another step in the direction.

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Bhupinder and Sunny Singh GIll made history together during Bristol City vs Nottingham Forest in 2021, four days before the festival of Vaisakhi.

My family is very excited for me. If it wasn't for my dad, I wouldn't be where I am today.

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This is a good time to encourage the next generation to sign up for a refereeing course.

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Bhupinder and Sunny Singh Gill opened up to Sky Sports News about their Premier League dreams and ambitions in 2021 as they prepared to make history as the first pair of British South Asians to officiate in a Championship game

My dream has always been to reach the top of the game, be a role model for future officials and encourage more people from diverse background into officiating, especially from a South Asian background.

Webb: Singh Gill shows what's possible

Howard Webb and Bhupinder Singh Gill
Image: Howard Webb says Bhupinder Singh Gill is a talentend match official and a role model

The referee of the 2010 World Cup final told Sky Sports News that the premier league is fortunate to have an assistant referee like Bhupinder.

Singh Gill sent a message of hope to diverse communities who aspire to be in the game when he became the first ever chief refereeing officer of the body responsible for appointing premier league officials, according to the man.

"Bhupinder's appointment to the premier league and the best league in the world will show an even greater audience about what's possible for people from different walks of life."

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It will give other British Asian boys and girls the chance to see someone who looks like them doing something they thought was impossible before.

It's a great chance to use Bhupinder's expertise as a role model, but also for us to have his ability as an official, because he's good at what he does." He's going to deliver a great performance in the same way thatSunny does.

Singh Gills to be part of the magic of the FA Cup

Bhups Sunny Singh Gill Howard Webb

The Singh Gill brothers will be in action at major stadiums during the FA Cup third round.

Bhupinder will get a great reception from the Villans when he returns to a premier league ground.

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Fans for Diversity award-winning supporters' group the Punjabi Rams will be cheering on Sunny when he referees in front of the biggest crowd of his career at Derby County's Pride Park.

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The Singh Gill brothers are role models for South Asian kids who want to play football.

I've known the family for a long time and I've stayed in touch with them as they've gone through their refereeing careers.

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The first Sikh female in Parliamentary history, Preet Kaur Gill MP, told Sky Sports News Bhupinder it would be a proud moment for Sikhs when Bhupinder and Sunny Singh Gill officiate in the same Championship game.

Bhupinder andSunny wanted to follow in their father's footsteps and weren't even refereeing at the time, but they saw their dad as a pioneer and wanted to follow in his footsteps.

They can show other officials what's possible and I know they will do a great job.

British South Asians in Football

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