Uriah Rennie, First Black Premier League Referee, Dies at 65

Uriah Rennie, a pioneering figure in English football and the first Black referee in the Premier League, has died at the age of 65.

Between 1997 and 2008, Rennie took charge of over 300 professional matches, including 175 in the Premier League, earning a reputation for fairness and authority on the pitch.

Sheffield & Hallamshire County Football Association paid tribute, stating:
“We are deeply saddened to hear of Uriah Rennie’s passing. As the Premier League’s first Black referee, he shattered barriers and inspired countless others. His impact on the game and the wider community will never be forgotten.”

Rennie recently spoke about his health struggles, revealing he was relearning to walk after a rare condition caused paralysis from the waist down.

Originally from Jamaica, Rennie moved to Sheffield as a child and grew up in the Wybourn area. He began refereeing local games in 1979, eventually making history in 1997 by officiating a Premier League clash between Derby County and Wimbledon.

Leon Mann, co-founder of the Football Black List, shared his condolences:
“This is incredibly sad news. Uriah was a trailblazer and role model in football. We owe so much to those who open doors for others. His legacy must live on.”

Off the pitch, Rennie served as a magistrate in Sheffield from 1996 and was a passionate advocate for equality, inclusion in sport, mental health, and community upliftment. Academically accomplished, he held a master’s degree in business administration and law and was honored with an honorary doctorate from Sheffield Hallam University in 2023.

In May 2025, just before his passing, Rennie was appointed chancellor of the university—a fitting recognition of a life dedicated to service, leadership, and lasting change.