Uriah Rennie, Premier League’s First Black Referee, Dies at 65

Uriah Rennie, the Premier League’s first Black referee and a pioneering figure in English football, has died at the age of 65.

Between 1997 and 2008, Rennie officiated more than 300 matches, including 175 in the Premier League. His debut in the top flight came in 1997 when he took charge of a match between Derby County and Wimbledon.

“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. “Uriah 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.”

Born in Jamaica, Rennie moved to Sheffield as a child and grew up in the Wybourn area. He began refereeing local games in 1979 and steadily rose through the ranks to become one of the country’s most respected officials.

Earlier this year, Rennie revealed he had been learning to walk again after a rare condition left him paralysed from the waist down.

Leon Mann, co-founder of the Football Black List, paid tribute: “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. Thoughts and prayers with Uriah’s family and close friends.”

Outside of football, Rennie was also a magistrate in Sheffield from 1996 and was deeply involved in community initiatives focused on equality, mental health, and tackling deprivation. He held a master’s degree in business administration and law and was awarded an honorary doctorate by Sheffield Hallam University in November 2023 for his contributions to sport and society.

Just last month, he was appointed chancellor of the university.