From firefighting to Premier League referee, the story of Sam Allison

• Sam Allison will be the center referee when Sheffield United host Luton Town on Boxing Day
• Allison is set to become the first black man to referee a Premier League match in over 15 years 
• Sam is an ex-player turned firefighter and his story, shows the ultimate journey from the bottom to the top

In a historic moment set to unfold on Boxing Day, Sam Allison is poised to break barriers as the first black man to officiate a Premier League game in 15 years. At 42, Allison’s journey from the playing fields of Swindon, Bristol City, Bournemouth, and Exeter to the referee’s whistle encapsulates a unique trajectory within the world of football officiating.

The transition from player to referee began for Allison in the semi-professional game, a path he chose after contemplating what lay beyond his playing career. Rather than bidding farewell to the sport entirely, he opted to don his boots once more, this time with the added responsibility of a whistle in hand. His officiating debut took place on a Sunday morning in Wiltshire, where the knowledge gained from years on the field proved invaluable.

Reflecting on those early experiences, Allison noted, “I was lucky enough that I was able to sell decisions just based on my footballing experience.” Leveraging his football intelligence, acquired through years of playing, he could identify foul challenges, anticipate plays, and interpret players’ movements with a level of insight that set him apart. This innate understanding of the game provided him with a distinct advantage as he embarked on his refereeing career.

Sam Allison has been refereeing in the Championship but he is now set to be the first black man to referee a Premier League match in 15 years on Boxing Day when Sheffield United take on Luton Town. | PHOTO: Sky |

Sam Allison the firefighter

Despite his passion for football, Allison needed a stable income to support his dual career as a referee and a firefighter. In 2006, he joined the fire service part-time, navigating the challenges of being both “Fireman Sam” and a referee. The dual roles demanded time and flexibility, and Allison successfully managed operational duties while steadily climbing the ranks to become a station manager.

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Supported by organizations such as the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) and the Football Association, Allison’s refereeing journey gained momentum. With over 100 matches officiated in the English Football League (EFL), he amassed the experience and exposure needed to ascend the ranks. His Premier League debut came in October 2022 when he served as the fourth official in the fixture between Brighton and Chelsea.

The significance of Allison’s impending role transcends personal achievement. The Premier League has not seen a black referee officiate a game since Uriah Rennie in 2008, marking a significant under-representation of black officials at the highest level of English football. Allison’s inclusion in the Boxing Day fixture against Luton signals a potential turning point, suggesting a positive shift toward greater diversity and inclusion in football officiating.

Expressing his aspirations, Allison stated, “I don’t hide that I want to reach the top. I want to be a role model within my community and show representation as a black man in football and being a referee at the same time.” His desire to be a role model and shatter pre-existing barriers is fueled by the belief that visibility is crucial to inspiring others. While acknowledging the pressure that comes with such visibility, Allison draws parallels to his experiences as a firefighter, emphasizing that pressure situations were not foreign to him.

The Boxing Day fixture against Luton stands as a pivotal moment in Allison’s career, one he hopes will mark the commencement of an extended tenure as a top-flight referee. His journey exemplifies the convergence of ability, desire, hard work, and the importance of seizing opportunities when they arise. As Sam Allison steps onto the Premier League stage, he embodies the resilience and determination required to pave the way for greater representation and diversity in football officiating. His story is not only one of personal triumph but also a beacon of inspiration for aspiring officials from under-represented communities, signaling that the path to the top is open to all who possess the requisite skill, dedication, and ambition.