Latest news with #Sheffield-raised
Wales Online
7 hours ago
- Sport
- Wales Online
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. Article continues below 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." Article continues below 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."
Daily Mirror
28-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Sheffield Wednesday owner rejects 'derisory' takeover bid from US consortium
Sheffield Wednesday supporters protested against the ownership of Dejphon Chansiri en masse at Saturday's final home game of the season against Portsmouth Under-fire Sheffield Wednesday owner Dejphon Chansiri has rejected a 'derisory' takeover bid for the beleaguered Championship club from a US-based consortium. Protests against Chansiri's ownership at Hillsborough stepped up a notch on Saturday when the Owls faced Portsmouth in their final home game of the season. A march of supporters from the site of the Adelphi Hotel, where the club was formed, was joined by thousands of Wednesday fans through Hillsborough Park prior to kick-off. In the stadium, supporters held aloft black and yellow leaflets and released balloons of the same colour as supporters urge Chansiri to sell up after a tumultuous 10-year reign. Despite previously insisting he had not received any concrete offers for the club, Wednesday have now confirmed Chansiri has rejected a bid from the Stateside group, report the Sheffield Star. A club spokesperson said: "We can confirm an expression of interest was received from USA-based investors, working together with a previous sponsor of the club. No proof of funds was presented, nor the identity of the investors, and the offer was derisory. 'In addition, outstanding monies owed to the club by the previous sponsor in respect of a commercial partnership remain. 'On the basis of all the above, the offer was declined. Mr Chansiri has made clear the criteria for potential investors to follow, after which he would enter into further discussions.' The consortium is understood to be made up of successful business people and professional athletes. Adam Shaw, a Sheffield-raised Owls fan now based in Florida who has previously sponsored the club, is said to be involved. Opposition to Chansiri's ownership has stepped up a notch in recent months following a disastrous fans' forum and subsequent failure to pay players and some staff on time. Despite insisting he doesn't want to relinquish control of the club, Chansiri's stance on selling does appear to have softened amid increasing pressure. He said in a statement earlier this month: "I am still here for our club, for the future of all of us and please let me make my situation clear. I do not have the intention to sell, I love this club. "But if today, tomorrow or another day in the future, if there is someone out there better, more suitable and has the potential to take care of our club, I am ready to pave the way for Sheffield Wednesday to move forward from a stronger position. "I am happy to leave if Sheffield Wednesday is left in a better place. It is not just about the price, it is about the right individual or group to take our club forward. And if someone was to come forward, I can assure you I am happy to listen and happy to talk."
