Football has lost a true pioneer. Uriah Rennie, the first Black referee to officiate in the Premier League, has died at the age of 65.
Rennie, who officiated over 300 professional matches, including 175 in the Premier League between 1997 and 2008, was widely respected not only for his commanding presence on the pitch but also for his trailblazing role in breaking racial barriers in English football officiating.
A Life of Service and Legacy
Born in Jamaica, Rennie moved to Sheffield as a child and grew up in the Wybourn area.
He began his refereeing journey in local football in 1979, climbing through the ranks until his historic top-flight debut in 1997 (Derby County vs Wimbledon).
The Sheffield & Hallamshire County Football Association, where Rennie served as chair, described him as a “trailblazing referee” who “broke down barriers, shaped our football community and inspired generations to come.”
Just months before his passing, Rennie had publicly shared his battle with a rare condition that had left him paralysed from the waist down, and that he was bravely learning to walk again.
More Than a Referee
Rennie was a magistrate in Sheffield since 1996, and his impact went far beyond football.
He was a passionate campaigner for equality, inclusion, mental health awareness, and tackling deprivation, particularly within South Yorkshire communities.
Holding a master’s degree in business administration and law, Rennie’s academic and civic achievements were equally distinguished.
In November 2023, he received an honorary doctorate from Sheffield Hallam University, recognising his lifelong contribution to sport and society.
In a proud moment, he was appointed Chancellor of the same university in May 2025, just weeks before his death.
Uriah Rennie will be remembered not just as the first, but as one of the finest.
Rest in peace, Uriah Rennie (1959–2025).
