Uriah Rennie, Premier League’s First Black Referee, Dies at 65
Uriah Rennie, known for breaking boundaries as the first Black referee in England’s Premier League, has died at the age of 65.
He officiated hundreds of matches at the highest level between 1997 and 2008, with his first top-flight game being Derby vs. Wimbledon — a moment that marked the start of a trailblazing career in football.
News of his passing comes shortly after his appointment as Chancellor at Sheffield Hallam University. Rennie had recently opened up about living with a rare health condition that left him paralyzed from the waist down.
His death was confirmed by the Football Association on Sunday, June 9, in a heartfelt tribute that read:
“Uriah will always be remembered as a true pioneer in football. We send our deepest condolences to his loved ones.”
