Famous Premier League referee Uriah Rennie dies at 65
Famous Premier League referee Uriah Rennie dies at 65
Uriah Rennie made his breakthrough in 1997 when he was the first black referee to officiate a Premier League match and has sadly died aged 65
Uriah Rennie has died at the age of 65 (Peter Byrne/PA)
(Image: PA Archive/PA Images )
The pioneering former Premier League referee Uriah Rennie has passed away at the age of 65.
Born in Jamaica, Sheffield-raised Rennie became an iconic figure in British football with a distinguished career spanning over 300 matches, starting when he took to the field as Derby met Wimbledon in August 1997—a match memorable for being abandoned due to a floodlight failure.
The Sheffield and Hallamshire County Football Association shared their condolences on social media, saying: "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."
Rennie's illustrious refereeing credentials were further acknowledged when he attained the status of FIFA-listed referee in 2000 and entered the selective professional group the following year, ultimately retiring in 2008.
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His achievements off the pitch included recognition from Sheffield Hallam University, which in November 2023 presented him with an honorary doctorate for his exceptional contributions to sports and his endeavours within South Yorkshire communities.
However, life presented Rennie with an immense challenge as recounted to BBC News in April—he explained that during a holiday in Turkey the previous year, debilitating pain in his back led to the discovery of an inoperable neurological condition, confining him to a wheelchair.
Speaking about his ordeal, Rennie revealed, "I spent a month laid on my back and another four months sitting in bed,".
He explained: "They kept me in hospital until February, they found a nodule pushing on my spine and it was a rare neurological condition so it's not something they can operate on.
"No one has told me I won't walk again, but even if someone did say that I want to be able to say I did everything I could to try."
On X, former Liverpool and Nottingham Forest striker 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."
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Rennie was honorary president of Sheffield's Hallam FC when he died and was remembered by both Sheffield United and Wednesday saying their "thoughts are with his friends and family at this time."
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