Uriah Rennie, the trailblazing first black referee in the Premier League, has passed away at 65.
Born in Jamaica and raised in Sheffield, Rennie became a prominent figure in English football, refereeing over 300 top-flight games since his first match in August 1997 when Derby faced Wimbledon.
Rennie became a FIFA-listed referee in 2000 and joined the Select Group of professionals one year later. He was described by former head of the Professional Game Match Officials Board (PGMOL), Keith Hackett, as “the fittest referee we have ever seen on the national and world scene”.
The Sheffield and Hallamshire County Football Association confirmed the news on social media, writing on X: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former chair and trailblazing referee, Uriah Rennie.
“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. Our thoughts are with Uriah’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
Reacting to news of his death on X, EFL Championship side Sheffield United said: “Sheffield United are saddened to learn of the passing of popular and trailblazing referee Uriah Rennie. Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this time.”
Fellow Steel City outfit Sheffield Wednesday added: “Sheffield Wednesday are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of pioneering referee Uriah Rennie. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this incredibly sad time.”
Stan Collymore wrote: “Incredibly sad to hear of the passing of referee Uriah Rennie. A pioneer, trailblazer and a bloody good ref. Rest in peace, Ref.”
