Uriah Rennie, the first black referee to officiate in the Premier League, has died at the age of 65. The Jamaica-born official, who grew up in Sheffield, oversaw more than 300 top-flight matches between 1997 and 2008. His debut came in August 1997 when he took charge of Derby County versus Wimbledon, a match abandoned due to floodlight failure.
The Sheffield and Hallamshire County Football Association paid tribute on social media, stating: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former chair and trailblazing referee, Uriah Rennie. He made history as the Premier League’s first black referee, officiating over 300 top-flight matches. He broke down barriers, shaped our football community and inspired generations to come.”
Rennie became a Fifa-listed referee in 2000 and joined the select group of professionals a year later. In April, he told BBC News that while on holiday in Turkey last year, he experienced severe back pain and was diagnosed with an inoperable neurological condition that left him wheelchair-bound. He described spending a month lying on his back and four months in bed.
Former Liverpool and Nottingham Forest striker Stan Collymore posted on X: “Incredibly sad to hear of the passing of referee Uriah Rennie. A pioneer, trailblazer and a bloody good ref. Rest in peace, ref.” Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday also expressed their condolences, saying their thoughts were with his family and friends.
At the time of his death, Rennie served as honorary president of Sheffield side Hallam FC. His passing marks the loss of a true pioneer in English football.
