It was just announced that, Uriah Rennie, the Premier League's first Black referee, has died.
Having officiated over 300 games between 1997 and 2008, including 175 Premier League matches, Sheffield-based ‘man-in-the-middle’ started refereeing in local football in 1979 before making history in 1997 when he oversaw the top-flight match between Derby County and Wimbledon. Born in Jamaica, he moved to Sheffield as a child, before, as an adult, making a name for himself in the Sheffield & Hallamshire County Football Association
"We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former chair and trailblazing referee, Uriah Rennie," said a Sheffield & Hallamshire County Football Association statement., external
“He made history as the Premier League's first Black referee, going on to officiate in over 300 top-flight matches between 1997 and 2008. He broke down barriers, shaped our football community and inspired generations to come."
Rennie recently revealed he was learning to walk again after a rare condition left him paralysed from the waist down. Leon Mann, co-founder of the ‘Football Black List’, said: "It’s immensely sad to hear the news about Uriah Rennie’s passing.
A Black pioneering referee and leader in the game, we owe so much to him and those who pushed open the doors for others to follow. Uriah should never, ever be forgotten.
"Thoughts and prayers with Uriah's family and close friends." Rennie had been a magistrate in Sheffield since 1996 and campaigned on issues including improving equality and inclusion in sport, mental health and tackling deprivation.
He had a master's degree in business administration and law and, in November 2023, was awarded an honorary doctorate by Sheffield Hallam University for his distinguished contributions to sport and his work with South Yorkshire communities. In May, Rennie was installed as the new Chancellor of the university.
He was 65.
