Uriah Rennie, First Black EPL Referee, Dies at 65

Uriah Rennie, the trailblazing official who became the first black referee in Premier League history, has died aged 65.

His refereeing career spanned more than three decades, during which he took charge of over 300 professional fixtures. That included 175 matches in the Premier League between 1997 and 2008.

The Sheffield & Hallamshire County Football Association paid tribute, stating: “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.”

Rennie recently shared that he was undergoing rehabilitation after a rare condition had left him paralysed from the waist down, forcing him to relearn how to walk.

Born in Jamaica, he moved to Sheffield during childhood, growing up in its Wybourn area. He first stepped into officiating in 1979 at the grassroots level, and in 1997 he made history by overseeing a top-flight clash between Derby County and Wimbledon.

Leon Mann, co-founder of the Football Black List initiative, praised Rennie for his influence: “Incredibly sad news about the passing of Uriah Rennie. A Black pioneering referee and leader in the game. We owe so much to those who push open the doors. Uriah should never, ever be forgotten. Thoughts and prayers with Uriah’s family and close friends.”

Beyond the pitch, Rennie served as a magistrate in Sheffield from 1996. His advocacy extended to mental health, equality in sport, and local anti-poverty efforts. He held a master’s degree in business administration and law.

In November 2023, Sheffield Hallam University awarded Rennie an honorary doctorate recognising his lasting contributions to football and the wider community. The university also named him its chancellor in May.