US EditionFirst black Premier League referee Rennie dies aged 65
- Uriah Rennie, recognized as the first Black official to referee in the Premier League, has passed away at the age of 65, a fact confirmed by the Football Association on Sunday.
- Rennie was born in Jamaica, raised in Sheffield, and made his Premier League debut in August 1997 during Derby versus Wimbledon.
- He officiated over 300 top-flight matches from 1997 until his retirement in 2008 and became a FIFA-listed referee in 2000.
- In November 2023, Sheffield Hallam University awarded Rennie an honorary doctorate for his contributions to sport and community work.
- After suffering a rare neurological condition in 2024 that left him paralysed, Rennie remained a respected figure and trailblazer in football.
76 Articles
76 Articles
The collegiate who made history for equality in English football, Uriah Rennie, the first black referee in the history of the Premier League, passed away this Sunday at age 65.Rennie began arbitrating in divisions outside professional English football in the 1970s and managed to reach the Premier League in 1997 when he was in charge of a meeting between Derby County and Wimbledon.Then, throughout an extensive career, he led more than 300 matches…
Uriah Rennie had just started learning to walk again. By then, the historic judge had tragically died at the age of 65. “A pioneer, a trailblazer and a damn good judge
He was the first black referee in the world's strongest championship.
Sky News UK
peopledaily.digitalUriah Rennie, the Premier League's first black referee, dies aged 65
Uriah Rennie, who has been described as "trailblazing" and someone who "shaped" the football community, revealed earlier this year how a rare health condition had left him paralysed from the waist down.
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