Woman referee to take charge of United game Amy Rayner will next week become the first woman referee to take charge of an Oxford United home game.

The Loughborough-based official has been appointed to control Tuesday’s Blue Square Premier game between United and Kidderminster Harriers at the Kassam Stadium.

The 30-year-old, who qualified as a referee just after her 14th birthday, was promoted to the Conference four years ago. It will be the fourth match that Rayner has refereed in the Blue Square Premier this season, but with the biggest crowd.

As an assistant referee, Rayner was at the centre of controversy in November 2006 when then Luton manager Mike Newell, angered by her decision not to award the Hatters a penalty, said such appointments amounted to “tokenism”.

The FA promised to investigate allegations of sexism, and Neale Barry, the FA’s Head of Senior Referee Development, gave her his full backing, saying: “English football needs more Amy Rayners.” Newell later apologised unreservedly, but was fined, and given a warning by his club. “It’s not an easy life, but it can be great fun and very rewarding,” she said.

“You do need a thick skin, though, perhaps more so as a female referee than a male. “There’s a perception that being a woman is your weakness as a match official, but you have to rise above that and if you do a good job, you’ll earn respect.” United have been refereed by a female in the past, Wendy Toms taking charge of an away match.