Uriah Rennie: Premier League's First Black Referee Dies at 65

Uriah Rennie, the first Black referee in the Premier League, has died at 65. Rennie made history in 1997 by refereeing a Premier League match between Derby County and Wimbledon and officiated over 300 matches, including 175 in the top flight. He retired in 2008 and was remembered as a trailblazer and pioneer in the sport.

Uriah Rennie, the first Black referee in the Premier League, has passed away at the age of 65. Rennie made history in 1997 by officiating a Premier League match between Derby County and Wimbledon, and he went on to oversee more than 300 top-flight matches, including 175 Premier League games, between 1997 and 2008. His career was marked by breaking down barriers and inspiring generations within the sport.

Rennie, born in Jamaica and raised in Sheffield, started his refereeing journey in local football in 1979. He became a FIFA-listed referee in 2000 and joined the select group of professionals the following year. In 2023, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by Sheffield Hallam University for his distinguished contributions to sport and his work with South Yorkshire communities.

In 2024, Rennie revealed that he was learning to walk again after a rare condition left him paralyzed from the waist down. He had been a magistrate in Sheffield since 1996 and campaigned on various social issues, including improving equality and inclusion in sport, mental health, and tackling deprivation.

Sheffield and Hallamshire County Football Association, Sheffield United, and Sheffield Wednesday paid tribute to Rennie, highlighting his impact on the football community and the inspiration he provided to future generations. The association stated, "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's legacy as a pioneer in the Premier League will continue to inspire future referees and contribute to the ongoing efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in sports.

References:
[1] https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/jun/08/uriah-rennie-the-first-black-referee-in-the-premier-league-dies-aged-65
[2] https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c0mr7xlmkxyo