A Northern Ireland referee is set to make history this weekend. Fermanagh's Louise Thompson will officiate Saturday's Irish Premiership clash between Crusaders and Dungannon Swifts at Seaview.

With it, the FIFA and Irish FA official will become the first female to take charge of a NIFL Premiership game.

It has been described as a "landmark moment" for women's refereeing here, and is another significant milestone for Thompson who became the first female to take charge of the Intermediate Cup final back in 2020.

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Andrew Davey, Senior Refereeing Manager at the Irish Football Association, said: “This is a landmark moment for women’s refereeing in Northern Ireland. Louise’s dedication and relentless effort have brought her to the pinnacle of football officiating in Northern Ireland, a well-deserved recognition of her skill and hard work.

“Her success demonstrates the growing opportunities for women not only in the women’s game but in the men’s game as well, providing a clear pathway for future female referees to aim for the highest levels of football."

As well as her historic Intermediate Cup final success, Thompson has previously taken charge of games in the Irish Cup and NIFL Championship.

She has also acted as fourth official in the Premiership and has extensive experience on the international stage.

Most recently Thompson was referee for last week's Irish Cup fifth-round tie between Linfield and Wellington Rec at Windsor Park.

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