‘A big moment’: Kompany congratulates referee Rebecca Welch on historic debut

The first female referee in Premier League history met the approval of both managers at Fulham.

Referee Rebecca Welch (right) speaks to Fulham's Bobby De Cordova-Reid during the Premier League match at Craven Cottage, London. Picture: Bradley Collyer/PA Wire. 

Rebecca Welch, the first female referee in Premier League history, met the approval of both managers after she officiated Burnley’s 2-0 win at Fulham.

Vincent Kompany, the Burnley manager, offered full congratulations, as he had in the seconds after full time when he went to speak to the Washington official, drawing a broad smile “I wanted to congratulate her because aside from the performance it’s a big moment,” said Kompany. “And I said when you’re in the game it’s not about the ref, it’s about the players, not about the coach. But after the game it’s fair to say that is a milestone moment and may there be many more.