65-year-old Premier League black referee Uriah Rennie passed away.
Between 1997 and 2008, Rennie officiated more than three hundred games including 175 Premier League games.
External Sheffield & Hallamshire County Football Association said its former chair was a “trailblazing referee” who “broke down barriers, shaped our football community and inspired generations to come.”
After a rare disorder left Rennie paraplegic from the waist down, he recently stated he was learning to walk once more.
Born in Jamaica, he grew up in the Wybourn part of Sheffield after moving there as a young lad.
Beginning officiating in local football in 1979, he made history in 1997 when he oversaw a top-flight game between Derby County and Wimbledon.
“Very tragic news on Uriah Rennie’s death. “A Black pioneering referee and leader in the game,” remarked Football Black List co-founder Leon Mann.
“We owe a great deal to people who let open doors. Uriah never, ever should be forgotten.
“Thoughts and prayers with Uriah’s family and close friends”.
Former Nottingham Forest, Liverpool and Aston Villa striker Stan Collymore said he was “incredibly sad” to learn of Rennie’s passing, adding he was a “pioneer” and a “trailblazer”.
Ex-Crystal Palace forward Mark Bright said on X: “A trailblazer, a good referee and thoroughly decent person when ever I bumped into him off the pitch.”
Having been a Sheffield magistrate since 1996, Rennie advocated on topics like mental health and combating deprivation, equality and inclusion in sports, and mental health.
Having earned an honorary doctorate by Sheffield Hallam University for his outstanding achievements to sport and his work with South Yorkshire communities, he held a master’s degree in business administration and law.
