BREAKING NEWS : The first black referee in the Premier League, Uriah Rennie, passed away at the age of 65.

Uriah Rennie, the Premier League’s first Black referee, has passed away at the age of 65. Born in Jamaica and raised in Sheffield, England, Rennie made history on August 13, 1997, when he officiated a match between Derby County and Wimbledon, becoming the first Black referee in Premier League history. Over his career, he officiated over 300 top-flight matches, including 175 in the Premier League, and was known for his exceptional fitness and authoritative presence on the field .

In recent years, Rennie faced significant health challenges. While on holiday in Turkey in 2024, he began experiencing severe back pain, which was later diagnosed as a rare neurological condition that caused paralysis from the waist down. Despite extensive treatment and physiotherapy, he struggled with mobility in his final months. In an interview, he revealed that he had been learning to walk again after becoming paralyzed from the waist down due to this condition .

Beyond his refereeing career, Rennie was a committed community advocate. He served as a magistrate in Sheffield since 1996 and was an advocate for equality and inclusion in sports. In November 2024, he was appointed as the Chancellor of Sheffield Hallam University, a role he took up in May 2025. He had also been awarded an honorary doctorate by the university in recognition of his work with sport and communities in South Yorkshire .

Rennie’s passing has prompted tributes from across the football community. The Football Association and Sheffield United expressed condolences, highlighting his pioneering legacy and impact on the game . Former players, including Stan Collymore, praised him as a “pioneer” and “bloody good ref,” remembering him as a competent referee and a commendable figure in football history