Uriah Rennie, the Premier League’s first black referee, has died at 65.
Rennie officiated over 300 games, including 175 top-flight matches, between 1997 and 2008, breaking significant barriers in the sport.
“Uriah made history… He broke down barriers, shaped our football community and inspired generations,” said the Sheffield & Hallamshire County FA. Born in Jamaica and raised in Sheffield, Rennie’s historic debut came in 1997.
Tributes poured in, with Leon Mann of the Football Black List stating Rennie “should never, ever be forgotten,” and Stan Collymore calling him a “pioneer” and “trailblazer.”
Beyond football, Rennie was a magistrate and campaigner for equality, mental health, and tackling deprivation.
He held a master’s degree and was recently awarded an honorary doctorate by Sheffield Hallam University, where he became chancellor in May.
His death follows a recent battle learning to walk again after a rare paralyzing condition.
