Uriah Rennie, the first Black referee within the Premier (*65*), has died aged 65, the Sheffield and Hallamshire County Football Association stated on Sunday.
Jamaican-born Rennie, who grew up in Sheffield, made historical past in 1997 when he refereed a Premier (*65*) match between Derby County and Wimbledon. He went on to officiate in over 300 video games – together with 175 in England’s prime flight.
“As the first Black referee in the Premier League, Uriah was a pioneering trailblazer whose legacy will live on, continuing to inspire future generations,” the Premier (*65*) stated in a press release on Monday.
Rennie retired in 2008 and 15 years handed earlier than one other Black official took cost of a Premier (*65*) recreation, Sam Allison refereeing Sheffield United in opposition to Luton Town in 2023.
In April, Rennie instructed the BBC he was studying to stroll once more after being left paralysed from the waist down by a uncommon situation.
“Incredibly sad to hear of the passing of referee Uriah Rennie. A pioneer, trailblazer and a bloody good ref,” former England and Liverpool striker Stan Collymore wrote on social media.
Published – June 10, 2025 04:46 am IST
