Sian Massey-Ellis makes history with Europa League debut

Sian Massey-Ellis officiated at PSV Eidnhoven vs LASK on Thursday. [Courtesy]

Sian Massey-Ellis has made history by becoming the first English woman to officiate at a men's European fixture.

Massey-Ellis was one of the assistant referees at Thursday's Europa League Group D fixture between PSV Eindhoven and LASK, which ended in a 0-0 draw.

It is another landmark achievement for Massey-Ellis after she became the first woman to officiate in the Community Shield for Manchester City's victory over Liverpool in August.

She has also officiated in the Women's World Cup and the Women's Champions League final and is a regular in the Premier League.

The 33-year-old is glad to see the increasing prevalence of female officials in the men's game.

"It's been a dream of mine to officiate in a European competition," she said in quotes reported by BBC Sport.

"It's definitely becoming more normal to see female officials in the men's game.

"Ultimately it shouldn't matter what gender, race or religion anyone is - it's about going out there and doing your job as best you can.

Massey-Ellis joined referee Chris Kavanagh, fellow assistant referee Dan Cook and fourth official Peter Bankes for Thursday's game.

Earlier this month it was revealed that Premier League referees are being paid 20 times more than their counterparts in the Women’s Super League .

Top Premier League officials are trousering towards £100,000 per year while their equivalents in the WSL are being asked to do a job at the same level for a pittance by comparison.

Leading referees such as Mike Dean earn a basic salary – in the region of £42,500 per year – with £1,150 Premier League match fees and Champions League fixtures potentially taking their earnings towards the six-figure salary bracket.

But women referees can find themselves turning out in front of crowds of more than 30,000 paying customers at the Etihad, or a crowd of over 25,000 at Stamford Bridge – as happened earlier this season – for just £120. A yearly take-home of less than £4,000 is the norm.