The football world is in mourning following the death of Uriah Rennie, the Premier League’s first Black referee and a towering figure in English football, who passed away at the age of 65.
Rennie, who made history in 1997 when he took charge of a top-flight clash between Derby County and Wimbledon, went on to officiate over 300 professional matches, including 175 in the Premier League, before retiring in 2008.
His remarkable journey from the grassroots of local football to the pinnacle of the English game has left a lasting legacy, with tributes pouring in from across the sport.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former chair and trailblazing referee, Uriah Rennie,” said the Sheffield & Hallamshire County Football Association in a statement. “He broke down barriers, shaped our football community and inspired generations to come.”
Born in Jamaica and raised in Sheffield’s Wybourn area, Rennie began refereeing in 1979 and steadily rose through the ranks with a blend of authority and professionalism that earned him respect at all levels.
Beyond the pitch, he was equally influential — a magistrate in Sheffield from 1996, a campaigner for social justice, and an advocate for mental health and equality in sport.
In November 2023, Sheffield Hallam University awarded Rennie an honorary doctorate, honouring his contributions to sport and community development in South Yorkshire.
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His academic accomplishments also included a master’s degree in business administration and law.
Leon Mann, co-founder of the Football Black List, reflected on Rennie’s legacy: “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.”
In a poignant revelation before his passing, Rennie had shared that he was relearning how to walk after being paralysed from the waist down due to a rare condition.
His courage in the face of adversity further cemented the respect he commanded both on and off the field.
Uriah Rennie leaves behind a trail of inspiration — a man who changed the game, shaped his community, and stood as a symbol of perseverance, dignity, and progress.