Morgan congratulates Welch after she made history as PL's FIRST female referee

Top-flight referee Rebecca Welch received top marks from Piers Morgan after becoming the first woman to officiate a Premier League game.

The 40-year-old took charge of Burnley's 2-0 win against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday, having already written her name into the history books by becoming the first woman to work as fourth official at a Premier League match in November.

Welch's global reputation as one of the most promising officials in both the men and women's game was only bolstered by her performance in the middle as goals from Wilson Odobert and Sander Berge secured a vital away win for Vincent Kompany's side.

As referees have come under increasing criticism, Morgan took to social media to congratulate the trailblazing official.

'Congrats to Rebecca Welch on becoming the first woman referee in the Premier League.' He wrote on X, formerly Twitter. 'By all accounts she had a very solid game, and was clearly there on merit, though every Fulham fan is now blaming her for their own players’ dreadful performance. So, she should fit in very well!'

Morgan was not the only person lauding Welch's performance, with some fans going as far as to call her the best referee they have seen this season.

'Rebecca Welch was superb today!' Wrote one. 'Let the game flow and allowed a real competitive game of football.'

'Rebecca Welch has been the best ref I've seen so far this season.' Said another 'Allowed the game to flow and was pretty anonymous. Massive win for the mighty clarets. Odobert, Tressor, Berge and Trafford were outstanding.'

A third wrote: 'A word too for Rebecca Welch. Excellent job as the first female to referee a Premier League game. Job well done.'

Welch was also the first woman to officiate an EFL fixture two-years