Uriah Rennie dies aged 65 as tributes flood in after trailblazing ref’s death | Football | Sport

Former Premier League referee Uriah Rennie has passed away aged 65 years old. Rennie took charge of over 300 matches throughout his distinguished career and made history by becoming the first-ever black Premier League official.

The Jamaican-born moved to Sheffield at an early age and began refereeing in the local leagues in the late 1970s. He was given his first appointment in the Premier League in 1997, but had to abandon the match between Derby County and Wimbledon because of a floodlight failure.

Rennie became a FIFA-listed referee in 2000 and joined the Select Group of professionals one year later. He was described by former head of the Professional Game Match Officials Board (PGMOL), Keith Hackett, as “the fittest referee we have ever seen on the national and world scene”.

Just last month, Rennie was installed as the new chancellor of Sheffield Hallam University in his hometown. Following his appointment, 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.”

Reacting to news of his death on X, EFL Championship side Sheffield United said: “Sheffield United are saddened to learn of the passing of popular and trailblazing referee Uriah Rennie. Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this time.”

Fellow Steel City outfit Sheffield Wednesday added: “Sheffield Wednesday are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of pioneering referee Uriah Rennie. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this incredibly sad time.”

Stan Collymore wrote: “Incredibly sad to hear of the passing of referee Uriah Rennie. A pioneer, trailblazer and a bloody good ref. Rest in peace, Ref.”

Hallam FC, who Rennie was president for, said in a statement: “Hallam are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of the clubs honorary president Uriah Rennie. A trailblazer on and off the pitch who support and council at Sandygate will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with this family and friends at this difficult time.”

Football commentator Alan Biggs said: “So sad to hear of Uriah Rennie’s passing. Far too young. A humble, likeable man – modest with so much to be proud about as the Premier League’s first black referee. Always a quiet, unflappable courage about him. Thoughts with all Uri’s family & friends.”

Rennie had been left paralysed from the waist down after being diagnosed with a rare condition, having felt a severe pain in his back while on holiday. Speaking to BBC News in April 2025, he said: “I spent a month laid on my back and another four months sitting in bed.”

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