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Tributes paid to Premier League’s first black referee Uriah Rennie who has died aged 65

Heartfelt tributes have been paid to Premier League’s first black referee Uriah Rennie who has sadly died aged 65.

On Sunday evening, Sheffield FA tweeted: “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.”

As mentioned by the Premier League, Uriah Rennie was appointed referee for Derby County vs Wimbledon in August 1997, it was one of the most significant moments in the Premier League’s history.

Born in Jamaica and raised on a tough Sheffield estate, Rennie was only 20 years old when he first held the whistle in the local leagues.

Refereeing a midweek game for his local working men’s club, a different challenge to the Shearers and Keens he would eventually encounter.

For 18 years, he rose through the ranks learning, in his words, to be all things to the players, police officer, teacher, social worker and parent.

He first took charge of a top flight match on the infamous night at Pride Park, forced to call an abandonment when the floodlights felled in the second half, but in taking the game, became the Premier League’s first ever black referee. He went on to officiate 175 Premier League fixtures, as well as domestic cup finals, European matches and internationals.

Since retiring in 2008, Rennie turned his attention to mentoring, guiding and pushing for diversity in the sport he loved, continuing to blaze a trail with every step of his journey.

He also had a master’s degree in business administration and law and, in November 2023, was awarded an honorary doctorate by Sheffield Hallam University for his distinguished contributions to sport and his work with South Yorkshire communities.

He officiated more than 300 games between 1997 and 2008, including 175 Premier League matches.

Recently, he revealed he was learning to walk again after a rare condition left him paralysed from the waist down.

He recalled how on a birthday trip to Turkey last year when he was hit with a sudden striking pain in his back.

“I thought I had just slept funny on a sun lounger, I was hoping to go paragliding but because of my backache I couldn’t go,” he said.

“By the end of the holiday I couldn’t sleep a wink from the pain, and by the time I got home I could barely walk.”

BBC A man with a bald head is in a wheelchair on a patio with a garden lawn behind him. He is sitting sideways looking into the camera and is wearing a cardigan, shirt and casual trousers.

Rennie was about to begin a new role as Sheffield Hallam University chancellor when he was admitted to Northern General Hospital in October.

“I spent a month laid on my back and another four months sitting in bed,” he said.

“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.

“I have had to learn to move all over again, I’m retraining my legs.

“It was strange – I went from running around the city to in essence being in traction for such a long time.

“I didn’t have any previous back problems but quite suddenly I wasn’t able to move and was in a spinal unit.

“I can move my feet and I can stand with a frame attached to my wheelchair but I need to work on my glutes.

“I rock around in my chair doing my exercises, I’m a very good, compliant patient,” he laughed.

“It has been frustrating but family and friends have been invaluable, the hospital was absolutely superb and the university has been exceptional.”

Discussing his latest challenge, he says the spinal cord compression has given him a new outlook on life.

“Lots of people are in wheelchairs, but it doesn’t define them,” he said when speaking with BBC News.

“It has made me resilient and forceful and I will never give up – I’m not on my own, there is a village helping me.

“I recognise how brittle things are in life now.

“I don’t know if I am going to walk fully, but I know what I need to do to try and you must never give up hope.”

In May, Rennie was installed as the new chancellor of Sheffield Hallam University, hoping to use his new role to show teenagers from all backgrounds that university was an option.

He said: “A lot of students from backgrounds like mine don’t see university as an option, but if it is something they want to do we can enable that to happen. We should open up the opportunities to everyone so they can make the choice.”

I want communities to have access to opportunities and resources so they can be heard and be seen and to realise their potential.

“University is not for everyone but people should have the opportunity.”

He said he also wanted to “increase the profile of our great city and the wonderful contribution of our students”.

“We have a lot to offer, there will be bumps in the road, but if I listen to students I am sure we will be able to deliver for them.”

Asked if he would introduce a degree in football refereeing, he said: “Nothing is off the table.

“We need to be innovative and make sure we are responsive to what the current needs are out there.

“We have to look at all these subject areas as an industry and do what we can to support them.

“Sport is a passion of mine, but it’s not the only passion. I also value academia, learning and teaching. If you provide a greater and more rounded package, you will attract more people to their specialist area.”

EFL STATEMENT:

The EFL is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former referee Uriah Rennie, who has died at the age of 65.

A trailblazer in English football, Rennie became the first Black referee in the Football League when he joined the list of match officials in 1994. Known for his professionalism, exceptional fitness, and calm authority, he served the game with distinction over a refereeing career that spanned more than a decade.

Rennie was promoted to the Premier League in 1997 and went on to officiate over 300 top-flight fixtures, becoming one of the most recognisable figures in English refereeing. However, he continued to make a significant contribution to the EFL during his time on the national list, with his performances earning widespread respect across all three divisions.

One of the defining moments of his EFL career came in May 2001 when he was appointed to referee the Division One Play-Off Final between Bolton Wanderers and Preston North End at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. The match, which saw Bolton secure a 3–0 victory and promotion to the Premier League, was a fitting stage for Rennie’s composed and authoritative style.

In 2000, he was added to the FIFA international list, further reflecting his standing within the game. Following his on-field career, Rennie continued to contribute to refereeing and football governance, serving on the FA’s refereeing committee and advocating for greater diversity and inclusion within the profession.

The thoughts and condolences of everyone at the EFL are with Uriah’s family, friends, and colleagues at this difficult time.

A respected official, a groundbreaker, and a proud servant of the game, Uriah Rennie’s legacy will be long remembered across the football community.

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