Uriah Rennie Remembered as a Premier League Legend
Uriah Rennie, the Premier League’s first Black referee, has passed away at the age of 65. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy, not just in football, but also in community leadership and equality advocacy.
Between 1997 and 2008, Rennie officiated over 300 matches, with 175 of those in England’s top league. His presence on the pitch opened doors for future referees of color, and his confident, fair approach earned the respect of fans and players alike.
A Pioneering Figure in English Football
Rennie made history in 1997 when he refereed a Premier League match between Derby County and Wimbledon. It was a moment football had long needed, and he handled the pressure with skill and grace.
The anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out described him as “a trailblazer in every sense.” They added, “He will always be a Premier League legend… providing leadership, talent and visibility that proved inspirational to many.”
The Premier League also paid tribute, calling him “a pioneering trailblazer whose legacy will live on.”
A Champion for Justice On and Off the Pitch
Beyond football, Rennie built an impressive career rooted in service and justice. Since 1996, he served as a magistrate in Sheffield. His work extended to community projects that tackled mental health issues, poverty, and the need for fair opportunities in sport.
He held a master’s degree in business administration and law. In 2023, Sheffield Hallam University awarded him an honorary doctorate for his work in sport and with South Yorkshire’s communities.
In May 2025, Rennie reached another milestone when he was appointed chancellor of the university — a role that celebrated both his leadership and his commitment to education.
A Life of Resilience and Courage
Despite personal health challenges, Rennie remained active in the public eye. He recently revealed he was learning to walk again after a rare illness left him paralyzed from the waist down.
His resilience was deeply admired. Leon Mann, co-founder of the Football Black List, said, “We owe so much to those who push open the doors. Uriah should never, ever be forgotten.”
Born in Jamaica and raised in Sheffield’s Wybourn neighborhood, Rennie’s journey from local leagues in 1979 to the Premier League’s biggest stadiums is one of true inspiration.
Impact That Will Live for Generations
Today, football leaders, players, and fans remember Rennie not just as a referee, but as a symbol of progress. The Sheffield & Hallamshire County Football Association honored him as a “trailblazing referee” who “broke down barriers, shaped our football community and inspired generations to come.”
His influence remains strong within the game and far beyond it. Rennie proved that talent, integrity, and courage could rewrite expectations and create lasting change.
Leave a Reply