Uriah Rennie, who made history by becoming the first Black referee in the Premier League, passed away on Sunday at the age of 65.
The 'trailblazing' referee officiated in more than 300 games including 115 Premier league matches between 1997 and 2008. Rennie was born in Jamaica, but he relocated to Sheffield, northern England, during his childhood.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former chair and trailblazing referee, Uriah Rennie," the Sheffield and Hallamshire County Football Association posted Sunday on X.
“Uriah made history as the Premier League’s first Black referee, officiating over 300 top-flight matches between 1997 and 2008," the statement said. "He broke down barriers, shaped our football community and inspired generations to come."
Rennie etched his name in football history on August 13, 1997 by becoming the first Black referee in the Premier League when he officiated the match between Derby County and Wimbledon.
Following his retirement in 2008, it took more than a decade and a half before another Black referee, Sam Allison, officiated a Premier League match, when he took charge of Sheffield United against Luton on Boxing Day in 2023.
Earlier this year, Rennie disclosed that he had been diagnosed with a rare medical condition that resulted in paralysis from his waist downwards.
The 'trailblazing' referee officiated in more than 300 games including 115 Premier league matches between 1997 and 2008. Rennie was born in Jamaica, but he relocated to Sheffield, northern England, during his childhood.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former chair and trailblazing referee, Uriah Rennie," the Sheffield and Hallamshire County Football Association posted Sunday on X.
“Uriah made history as the Premier League’s first Black referee, officiating over 300 top-flight matches between 1997 and 2008," the statement said. "He broke down barriers, shaped our football community and inspired generations to come."
Rennie etched his name in football history on August 13, 1997 by becoming the first Black referee in the Premier League when he officiated the match between Derby County and Wimbledon.
Following his retirement in 2008, it took more than a decade and a half before another Black referee, Sam Allison, officiated a Premier League match, when he took charge of Sheffield United against Luton on Boxing Day in 2023.
Earlier this year, Rennie disclosed that he had been diagnosed with a rare medical condition that resulted in paralysis from his waist downwards.
