Sam Allison became the first black referee in 15 years to take charge of a Premier League game when he oversaw Luton's 3-2 win at Sheffield United in December.
His performance impressed fans and he was later put in charge of two other top-flight matches last season: Bournemouth's 4-3 victory over Luton and Newcastle's 1-0 win at Fulham.
The 43-year-old is very different to most top refs in England but not because of his ethnicity.
Firstly, Allison is a former player. He spent time on the books of Swindon, Bristol City, Bournemouth and Exeter, before enjoying a successful non-League career with Clevedon, Chippenham and Frome.