The Premier League’s first Black referee, Uriah Rennie, has passed away at the age of 65.
Between 1997 and 2008, Rennie officiated over 300 matches, including 175 in the Premier League.
A statement from the Sheffield & Hallamshire County Football Association expressed deep sorrow, “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former chair and trailblazing referee, Uriah Rennie. 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.”
In recent times, Rennie was battling a rare condition that left him paralysed from the waist down, and he had been learning to walk again.
Originally from Jamaica, Rennie moved to Sheffield as a child and grew up in the city’s Wybourn area.
He began refereeing local football in 1979, before making history in 1997 when he took charge of the Premier League match between Derby County and Wimbledon.
Leon Mann, co-founder of the Football Black List, mourned the loss, saying, “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 an advocate for equality and inclusion in sports, mental health awareness, and fighting deprivation.
Holding a master’s degree in business administration and law, he was honoured in November 2023 with an honorary doctorate from Sheffield Hallam University in recognition of his outstanding contributions to sport and South Yorkshire communities.
In May, Rennie was appointed the new chancellor of Sheffield Hallam University.
