Uriah Rennie, the first black referee in the Premier League, has died at the age of 65 after suffering from a rare condition that left him paralysed from his waist down, Afrosport reports.
He started refereeing in 1979 but made history in 1997 as the first-ever black referee in the English top-flight in a fixture between Derby County and Wimbledon.
Rennie was then added to the FIFA international list in 2000, and the PGMOL Select Group in 2001.
He officiated more than 300 games from 1997, including 175 Premier League matches, until he retired in 2008.
The Premier League in a statement said: The Premier League is deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of Uriah Rennie. As the first Black referee in the Premier League, Uriah was a pioneering trailblazer whose legacy will live on, continuing to inspire future generations. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
The Premier League is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Uriah Rennie. As the first black referee in the Premier League, Uriah was a pioneering trailblazer whose legacy will live on, continuing to inspire future generations.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/1rlxbzuF2g
— Premier League (@premierleague) June 9, 2025
Meanwhile, PGMOL Chief Refereeing Officer Howard Webb said: “Uri was not only a trailblazer who paved the way for many others after becoming the first black referee in the Premier League, he was a great person and a great referee who cared deeply about his community and helping people fulfil their potential.
“He was a strong influence on our refereeing group too, offering a calming presence and we shared many good times together. An epitome of a role model, Uri was a valued member of the football family who has been taken from us too soon. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time. He will be sorely missed by us all but his legacy will live on.”
Remembering Uriah Rennie ❤️ pic.twitter.com/XNSlPHGmBp
— PGMOL (@FA_PGMOL) June 9, 2025
Asides from refereeing, Rennie held the position of magistrate in Sheffield since 1996 and raised awarness on issues such as improving equality and inclusion in sport, mental health and tackling deprivation.
