Former referee Jarnail Singh Gill is overcome with pride and emotion as his son Sunny Singh Gill prepares to become the first British South Asian referee in the Premier League.
Sunny’s journey began in his teens, when his father took him and his brother Bhupinder to assist him at Asian tournaments.
“Words can’t describe how proud I am,” Jarnail told BBC Sport ahead of Sunny’s match between Crystal Palace and Luton Town. “We want our children to do better than us, and both Sunny and Bhupinder have achieved that.”
Bhupinder became the first Sikh assistant referee in the Premier League in January 2023. Jarnail himself refereed in the English Football League from 2004 to 2010.
Jarnail jokingly offered some playful advice to Sunny: “Do the opposite of everything I did!” But then acknowledged Sunny’s experience and the support he’s received.
“He’s well-prepared,” Jarnail said, crediting the Premier League’s Elite Referee Development Plan (ERDP) for providing Sunny with the necessary training and support.
Sunny’s promotion to the EFL in 2022 allowed him to focus full-time on refereeing, a career change from his previous role as a prison officer.
This season marks a turning point for diversity in Premier League officiating. Sunny’s appointment follows Sam Allison, the first black referee in 15 years, and Rebecca Welch, the first female referee.
The Football Association (FA) is actively increasing diversity among referees, aiming for 1,000 more women and 1,000 more black or Asian referees by 2026.
“Seeing is believing,” said Jarnail. “Sunny’s success will inspire others from diverse communities to pursue refereeing careers.”
He highlighted Sunny and Bhupinder as role models, alongside other minority officials getting opportunities in the Premier League and lower leagues.
“It’s a start,” said Jarnail. “Sunny’s achievement is a big step, but there’s more work to be done.”
Crystal Palace’s new manager, Oliver Glasner, echoed this sentiment, praising Sunny’s accomplishment and the Premier League’s commitment to inclusivity.
