Uriah Rennie, the first Black referee in the Premier League, has died at the age of 65. Known for breaking racial barriers and reshaping English football, Rennie’s passing has drawn widespread tributes from across the sport. He officiated over 300 professional matches between 1997 and 2008, including 175 in the Premier League.
Born in Jamaica and raised in Sheffield, Rennie began his refereeing journey in 1979 in local football circles. His historic Premier League debut came in 1997 during a match between Derby County and Wimbledon. Over the years, he gained respect for his strong presence on the pitch and commitment to fairness, becoming a respected figure in the game.
His death was confirmed by the Sheffield & Hallamshire County Football Association, where he once served as chair. The organisation praised his impact on football and described him as a figure who broke down barriers and inspired future generations.
Tributes have poured in, with Leon Mann, co-founder of the Football Black List, calling Rennie “a pioneering referee and leader in the game” and stressing that “Uriah should never, ever be forgotten.”
Beyond the pitch, Rennie was deeply committed to community service. He served as a magistrate in Sheffield from 1996 and worked tirelessly to promote equality, inclusion in sports, mental health awareness, and efforts to fight poverty. He earned a master’s degree in both business administration and law, and in November 2023, received an honorary doctorate from Sheffield Hallam University for his remarkable contributions to sport and local communities.
In one of his final public updates, Rennie revealed he had been learning to walk again after becoming paralysed from the waist down due to a rare condition. His resilience in the face of adversity reflected the strength he carried throughout his life and career.
Uriah Rennie’s life and work leave a lasting legacy, both on and off the pitch.
