'I wanted to enjoy it' - History-making referee Thompson

Referee Louise Thompson says her history-making afternoon in the Irish Premiership was a "great experience".

Thompson became the first woman to take charge of a men's Irish Premiership match as Dungannon Swifts defeated Crusaders 5-1 at Seaview.

The FIFA referee had previously officiated in the Women's Premiership, Championship and Irish Cup, and had previously been a fourth official in the Premiership.

"It was good to get the first game under my belt," Thompson told BBC Sport NI.

"I have experience and that helps you get through. It's another step up, that's for sure, but you have to manage your nerves and everything else in your environment.

"When you get to the game you have to concentrate on what you do normally and hopefully that works for you."

Her historic appointment had attracted media attention ahead of the game.

Thompson admits "the butterflies were going a little bit" before she arrived at Seaview but her mindset soon focused on the job at hand.

"You just try not to let that bog you down too much," added Thompson on the attention surrounding her landmark match.

"I just really wanted to enjoy the occasion. I knew what it meant for females in men's sport.

"It's a great opportunity and I'm thankful - and hopefully it was okay."

Thompson started refereeing in 2017 after her playing career had come to an end, and she was deciding whether to pick up the whistle or go down the coaching path.

"I did the course for both. Once I started to referee I just really enjoyed it.

"From then the opportunities just kept coming to me. That was fantastic, but as I started to go up the ranks I knew this is where I wanted to ultimately get to.

"Thankfully it's happened."

Thompson, who has also officiated at international level, adds that being a former player helps her to read the game and understand frustrations from players during the match.

While Saturday's match passed without incident, Thompson praised the "refereeing family" if she does ever have a difficult afternoon and their well wishes ahead of Saturday's match.

"The team around me are fantastic. Even the guys who weren't with me today, they were sending me messages. The whole refereeing family was with me.

"You have to learn and that really helps me as a person. Again, with the refereeing family you know you can pick up the phone and speak to them about what happened."

As well as doing a good job, Thompson adds that she wants to be "a good role model" for those who look up to her historic achievements.

"Ultimately you just want to open it up to people so they know that it is possible to do," she said.

"It's one of the hardest jobs you can do out there but it is also one of the most rewarding. The experiences you get are just fantastic."