After putting out plenty of fires, keeping hot-headed footballers in check was never going to ruffle Sam Allison.
On Boxing Day, Allison will become the first black man to officiate a Premier League game in 15 years when he takes charge of Sheffield United’s home game against Luton.
Allison, 42, had played at Swindon, Bristol City, Bournemouth and Exeter before moving down the football pyramid into the semi-professional game.
Former player. Firefighter. Referee. Trailblazer.
Sam Allison hopes to take the pathway to the top. | |
— EFL (@EFL)
After considering what to do when he eventually hung up his boots, Allison decided to keep them on for a while longer – but this time with a whistle in hand.
Allison took charge of his…