I have got to break down doors
ALLISON ON LEAGUE LIST
NOT just an appointment. A breakthrough.
When the season starts next month, Sam Allison will become the first black referee in the Football League since Uriah Rennie in 2009.
When he received the news on Friday, the 39-year-old firefighter from Wiltshire was overcome by emotion.
“I felt like I wanted to well up,” said Allison, right. “Because I’ve been under that pressure, that scrutiny. I know how tough it’s been for my family so
I’m so, so happy.
“The hard work is paying off. Water is seeping through the cracks. We’re getting somewhere.
“Even if you believe the institution or society is holding you back, when you can start to see it – someone operating in a position you aspire to – you believe it can be done.
“You don’t see the successes along the journey because you feel, ‘I haven’t time to waste. I’ve got to try to break down doors.
“I’m going to try to break down barriers to represent my family and everyone that looks like me.
“I’m also trying to represent the organisation. I’m doing something I love and I’m empowered.
“So, this is probably one of the first times that I’ve patted myself on the back and said, ‘You know what? It’s been a long time’.”
Allison’s promotion will see him go from running five-a-sides and county games to officiating in Leagues One and Two.
He is, however, still the only black referee in the top four divisions, with others such as Joel Mannix, Aji Ajibola, Reuben Simon and Sunny Gill all perfectly capable. It remains a damning indictment on the game in England. Many black and Asian referees continue to refer privately to the Black Man’s Graveyard – the level at which many potential careers have floundered before getting anywhere near the promised land.
Allison intends to continue inspiring them to keep pushing. “I’ve come through the system quite quickly and the system is quite difficult to get through for anybody,” he said.
“If there are challenges and pressures you feel as a black man in predominantly a white man’s world, it’s going to be difficult.
“I’m not a role model. I’m a floor model. I want people to stand on me to help them get up.
“I’m not going to be one of those guys who climb the ladder and pull the ladder up after themselves. I’m saying, ‘You know what, I’ve got to do this. And if I can help people along the way, let’s do it’.”