The football world is mourning the loss of Uriah Rennie, the Premier League’s first Black referee, who has died at the age of 65.
The news of his passing was confirmed in a statement issued by the Football Association (FA) on Sunday.
“The FA Refereeing Department is saddened to hear of the passing of former FIFA and Premier League referee, Uriah Rennie,” the statement read. “Uriah will forever be remembered as a true trailblazer of the game. Our thoughts are with Uriah’s family and friends at this time.”
Rennie made history in English football, officiating over 300 top-flight matches between 1997 and 2008. His Premier League debut came in a fixture between Derby County and Wimbledon. Known for his authoritative presence on the pitch and unwavering professionalism, Rennie broke racial barriers in a role historically lacking diversity.
Beyond football, Rennie was a respected figure in academia and public service. Just weeks before his death, he was appointed Chancellor of Sheffield Hallam University. He had recently opened up about a rare medical condition that left him temporarily paralysed from the waist down, demonstrating his resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
Uriah Rennie’s legacy as a pioneer in English football and an advocate for inclusion will continue to inspire generations to come.
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