Uriah Rennie, the official who became the first Black referee in the Premier League, has d!ed at the age of 65
Rennie officiated more than 300 professional matches between 1997 and 2008, including 175 Premier League games. His historic top-flight debut came in 1997 during a match between Derby County and Wimbledon.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former chair and trailblazing referee, Uriah Rennie,” the Sheffield & Hallamshire County Football Association said in a statement. “Uriah made history as the Premier League’s first Black referee, officiating over 300 top-flight matches between 1997 and 2008. He broke down barriers, shaped our football community and inspired generations to come.”
Born in Jamaica, Rennie moved to Sheffield as a child and grew up in the Wybourn area. He began his refereeing journey in local football in 1979 and rose through the ranks to become one of the sport’s most respected officials.
In recent months, Rennie had revealed he was learning to walk again after being left paralysed from the waist down by a rare condition.
Tributes poured in following news of his death. Leon Mann, co-founder of the Football Black List, said, “Incredibly sad news about the passing of Uriah Rennie. A Black pioneering referee and leader in the game. We owe so much to those who push open the doors. Uriah should never, ever be forgotten. Thoughts and prayers with Uriah’s family and close friends.”
Beyond football, Rennie served as a magistrate in Sheffield from 1996 and was deeply involved in social causes, advocating for equality and inclusion in sport, mental health awareness, and community upliftment.
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RIP