EPL has its first female referee as Rebecca Welch handles Fulham-Burnley

LONDON (AP) — The English Premier League has its first female referee. Rebecca Welch controlled Burnley’s 2-0 win at Fulham. Burnley manager Vincent Kompany called it a “milestone moment.” She was applauded by spectators as she emerged from the tunnel at Craven Cottage. Welch has already worked as the fourth official in the Premier League, for the match between Fulham and Manchester United on Nov. 4. She has handled matches in the second-tier Championship and FA Cup. Welch has been a referee since 2010, initially balancing the role with her job in the National Health Service before becoming a full-time match official.