Uriah Rennie, the first Black referee in the Premier League, has died at the age of 65. He passed away recently, leaving behind a legacy as a trailblazer in English football.
Born in Jamaica, Rennie moved to Sheffield, England, during his childhood. He began his refereeing career in local football in 1979. Rennie made history on August 13, 1997, when he officiated his first League match between Derby County and Wimbledon. This appointment marked him as the Premier League’s first Black referee.
Over his career, Rennie officiated more than 300 top-flight matches, including 175 in the Premier League, between 1997 and 2008. He became a FIFA-listed referee in 2000 and joined the elite group of professional referees a year later. Rennie was widely respected for his composure and fairness on the field.
The Sheffield and Hallamshire County Football Association expressed deep sorrow at his passing. They said Rennie broke down barriers, shaped the football community, and inspired generations to come. His impact extended beyond football, as he also served as a magistrate in Sheffield from 1996 and was an advocate for equality, inclusion, mental health, and community welfare.
In 2023, Rennie was honoured with an honorary doctorate from Sheffield Hallam University for his contributions to sport and the community. Earlier this year, he was appointed chancellor of the university, recognising his role as a leader and role model.
In recent years, Rennie faced serious health challenges. While on holiday in Turkey in 2024, he experienced severe back pain. Doctors diagnosed him with a rare neurological condition that left him paralysed from the waist down. He spent months in the hospital and rehabilitation, relearning to walk.
Many football figures paid tribute to Rennie after his death. Leon Mann, co-founder of the Football Black List, called him a pioneer who should never be forgotten.
Former player Stan Collymore described Rennie as a trailblazer and a very good referee. Sheffield clubs and fans also expressed their condolences, highlighting Rennie’s importance to the game and community.
Rennie’s career helped pave the way for future Black referees. It took over 15 years after his retirement in 2008 for another Black referee, Sam Allison, to officiate a Premier League match in 2023. Rennie’s legacy remains as a symbol of breaking racial barriers in English football.
Uriah Rennie will be remembered not only for his achievements on the pitch but also for his courage, dignity and dedication to making football and society more inclusive. His death is a significant loss to the football world and the communities he served.