)
The Premier League's first Black referee has died at 65.
The first Black referee in the Premier League, Uriah Rennie, has passed away at the age of 65.
He officiated over 300 top-flight matches between 1997 and 2008, making history in 1997 during a match between Leeds United and Crystal Palace.
Recently, Rennie was learning to walk again after being paralysed from the waist down due to a rare condition.
Uriah Rennie’s legacy
)
The Sheffield & Hallamshire County Football Association expressed deep sadness at his passing, highlighting his role as a trailblazing figure who broke barriers and inspired future generations.
“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.
“Uriah made history as the Premier League’s first Black referee, officiating over 300 top-flight matches between 1997 and 2008. He broke down barriers, shaped our football community and inspired generations to come.”
Rennie began his refereeing career in 1979 and became a FIFA referee in 2000, retiring in 2004 at the compulsory age of 45.
He remained a prominent advocate for equality and inclusion in sports and served as a magistrate in Sheffield.
Born in Jamaica, Rennie moved to Sheffield as a child and was appointed chancellor of Sheffield Hallam University shortly before his death.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)