Uriah Rennie, the first Black referee in the Premier League, has died at the age of 65, leaving behind a legacy of courage, resilience, and inspiration. Born in Jamaica and raised in Sheffield, Rennie began his refereeing journey in local football in 1979. He made history in August 1997 when he officiated his first top-flight match between Derby County and Wimbledon, breaking racial barriers in English football.
Over the span of his career, Uriah Rennie officiated more than 300 top-flight matches, including 175 in the Premier League, until his retirement in 2008. Known for his calm authority, physical fitness, and unshakeable composure under pressure, Uriah Rennie earned the respect of players, managers, and fans alike. His influence extended well beyond the pitch, serving as a symbol of representation and progress in a sport often scrutinized for its lack of diversity in leadership roles.
Courage in the Face of Adversity
Just weeks after being appointed chancellor of Sheffield Hallam University, Rennie tragically succumbed to a rare neurological condition that had left him paralysed from the waist down. The condition was diagnosed after a holiday in Turkey where he initially mistook the symptoms for backache from sleeping awkwardly on a sun lounger.
Speaking to the BBC in April, Uriah Rennie recounted the terrifying and unexpected health ordeal: “By the time I got home, I could barely walk… they found a nodule pressing on my spine, and it was a rare condition they couldn’t operate on.” Despite the debilitating diagnosis, Uriah Rennie remained determined, undergoing intense rehabilitation to retrain his legs and regain mobility. “I rock around in my chair doing my exercises… it has been frustrating but family and friends have been invaluable,” he shared.
Uriah Rennie’s resilience in the face of such life-altering adversity served as another powerful chapter in a life marked by overcoming the odds. His strength inspired not just the sporting world, but also the academic and wider community he served tirelessly.
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Uriah Rennie First Black Premier League Referee Dies Aged 65
News of Uriah Rennie’s death prompted an emotional outpouring of tributes from across football and beyond. The Football Association said in a statement: “Uriah will forever be remembered as a true trailblazer of the game. Our thoughts are with Uriah’s family and friends at this time.” Sheffield & Hallamshire County FA echoed these sentiments, saying: “He broke down barriers, shaped our football community and inspired generations to come.”
Sheffield United FC also paid tribute, writing: “Sheffield United are saddened to learn of the passing of popular and trailblazing referee Uriah Rennie.” Former footballers and commentators also spoke out, with ex-Premier League striker Stan Collymore tweeting: “A pioneer, trailblazer, and a bloody good ref. Rest in peace, Ref.” Leon Mann, co-founder of the Football Black List, said: “We owe so much to those who push open the doors. Uriah should never, ever be forgotten.”
A Legacy Beyond the Pitch
Beyond football, Uriah Rennie was a man of intellect, justice, and community service. He served as a magistrate in Sheffield from 1996, and held a master’s degree in both law and business administration. His work often centred on advocacy for inclusion, mental health, and community empowerment, particularly among underserved communities in South Yorkshire.
In recognition of his contributions, Sheffield Hallam University awarded him an honorary doctorate in November 2023. By May 2024, he had been installed as the university’s new chancellor—an appointment that highlighted his stature not just in sport, but in academic and civic life as well.
In every field he touched, Uriah Rennie brought a commitment to integrity, progress, and social justice. His death leaves a profound void, but his legacy continues to light a path for future generations.
Final Farewell to a Pioneer
Uriah Rennie’s passing marks the end of a remarkable journey, but the beginning of a lasting legacy. His story is one of excellence against odds—of a young man from Sheffield’s Wybourn area who became a Premier League icon and a community leader. He was not just a referee, but a symbol of possibility for countless others.
His legacy lives on in every young referee from a minority background who dares to dream, every student who draws strength from his academic journey, and every voice for equality who remembers the doors he pushed open. As tributes continue to pour in, one message is clear: Uriah Rennie was a pioneer who will never be forgotten.
Rest in peace, Uriah Rennie
