
Uriah Rennie dead: Premier League's first black referee passes away aged 65 after rare condition left him paralysed
PREMIER League referee Uriah Rennie has tragically passed away aged 65.
Rennie had recently opened up about a rare condition that left him paralysed from the waist down.
2
Once described as the "fittest" referee in England's top division, Rennie refereed over 300 top flight matches between 1997 and 2008.
But after experiencing intense back pain while on holiday in Turkey last year, Rennie was admitted to Northern General Hospital in October.
He told the BBC: "I thought I had just slept funny on a sun lounger, I was hoping to go paragliding but because of my backache I couldn't go.
"By the end of the holiday I couldn't sleep a wink from the pain, and by the time I got home I could barely walk.
"I spent a month laid on my back and another four months sitting in bed.
"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.
"I have had to learn to move all over again, I'm retraining my legs."
He continued: "It was strange - I went from running around the city to in essence being in traction for such a long time.
"I didn't have any previous back problems but quite suddenly I wasn't able to move and was in a spinal unit."
Rennie made history in 1997 when he became the Premier League 's first black referee, officiating a match between Derby County and Wimbledon.
An FA statement read: "The FA Refereeing Department is saddened to hear of the passing of former FIFA and Premier League referee, Uriah Rennie.
"Uriah will forever be remembered as a true trailblazer of the game. Our thoughts are with Uriah's family and friends at this time."
Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Independent
9 minutes ago
- The Independent
New ‘Super Saturday' to mix up Women's Six Nations
The Guinness Women's Six Nations will introduce a 'Super Saturday' format in 2026, featuring back-to-back matches on a single day in each round to enhance fan experience and global viewership. England, the reigning champions, will begin their title defence against Ireland on Saturday, April 11 at Allianz Stadium Twickenham, marking the start of the revamped tournament. France will host Italy in the opening match on the same day, followed by Scotland 's travel to Wales, setting the stage for a series of competitive games. The competition will culminate in a 'Super Sunday' on May 17, with a potential title-deciding match between England and France as the final fixture. The tournament's new schedule aims to capitalise on the anticipated surge in interest following the Rugby World Cup 2025 in England, positioning the Guinness Women's Six Nations to drive momentum in women's rugby.


The Independent
9 minutes ago
- The Independent
De Bruyne swarmed by excited fans as he joins Napoli
Kevin De Bruyne has joined Napoli on a free transfer after leaving Manchester City, turning down an offer from Chicago Fire. De Bruyne, 33, arrived in Italy on Thursday and met with Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis after being mobbed by fans. After 10 years with Man City, the Belgium international said he is confident he can still play at the highest level, and will now join up with Belgium team-mate Romelu Lukaku. Napoli, who won their second Serie A title in three seasons last month, announced De Bruyne's arrival on social media, stating, "Kevin is proud to be one of us!" De Bruyne won 19 trophies with City, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League, making 422 appearances and recording 108 goals and 177 assists.


Daily Mail
12 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Andy Robertson reacts to threat of £45m-rated Milos Kerkez taking his place - with Liverpool interested in signing Bournemouth left-back
Andy Robertson has responded to Liverpool 's interest in signing Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez. The veteran defender's position for the champions would be under serious threat if his side can strike a deal for the Hungarian international valued at £45million. Robertson, 31, has been a brilliant servant for the Reds but may lose the starting role he has held for years if Kerkez signs. When asked about it, he did not mention Kerkez by name but admitted it is a natural part of being a player at a top club and appeared ready for the challenge. 'I think at any big club you always have to keep moving, the club always moves forward and I think you've also seen other big clubs like Manchester City have been very active early doors in the window,' Robertson told Sky Sports. 'I know we've only got Jeremie Frimpong through the door so far but it looks as though one or two others are going to be close from what we can see on Sky Sports News. 'But just now we're at the top, we obviously won the league, and it's important that the club keeps improving and finding ways to do that. He went on: 'The club have identified certain positions where they want to get new blood in, it looks like players we're linked to are all younger players and they are all exciting players as well. 'So when you play for a big club like Liverpool you expect challenges, you expect competition and I have always faced that, everyone here has faced that in their own positions and I expect nothing less. 'I want the club to be ambitious, they are doing that and wherever we fit into that, if we're happy with our role, we stay and we do it and if not then I am sure there will be a few out the door as well. 'But you know, that's the nature of football and it's one of the biggest clubs in the world and we keep moving.' Kerkez is widely expected to join Arne Slot's side, along with the impending move for Florian Wirtz in what will be a club record deal. The Cherries' defender arriving at Anfield could well spell the end for Kostas Tsimikas this summer as Liverpool reshuffle the pack. Robertson only delivered one assist in the Premier League last season in 33 games and made some uncharacteristic errors.