Uriah Rennie, the first Black referee in the Premier League and a respected figure in English football, has died at the age of 65.
Rennie officiated more than 300 professional matches between 1997 and 2008, including 175 in the Premier League. His passing has triggered an outpouring of tributes from across the football world, honouring his pioneering legacy both on and off the pitch.
The Sheffield & Hallamshire County Football Association described Rennie as a groundbreaker.
“Uriah made history as the Premier League’s first Black referee… He broke down barriers, shaped our football community and inspired generations to come,” the association said in a statement.
Born in Jamaica and raised in Sheffield’s Wybourn area, Rennie began refereeing in 1979 in local football and rose steadily through the ranks. In 1997, he made history when he took charge of the Premier League fixture between Derby County and Wimbledon.
Tributes also poured in from football equality advocates.
“Incredibly sad news… Uriah should never, ever be forgotten,” said Leon Mann, co-founder of the Football Black List. “We owe so much to those who push open the doors.”
Beyond the pitch, Rennie was active in public service. He served as a magistrate in Sheffield from 1996 and campaigned for equality in sport, mental health awareness, and social development. He held a master’s degree in business administration and law.
In 2023, Sheffield Hallam University awarded him an honorary doctorate for his exceptional contributions to sport and community work in South Yorkshire.
In a recent personal account, Rennie had revealed that he was undergoing rehabilitation after becoming paralysed from the waist down due to a rare condition. Despite health challenges, he remained committed to inspiring others until his final days.
