Archive · 9 Jun 2025
Premier League's First Black Referee, Uriah Rennie, Dies at 65
Uriah Rennie, the first Black referee in the Premier League, has passed away.
He was a groundbreaking figure, officiating hundreds of matches from 1997 to 2008.
Born in Jamaica, he grew up in England and broke barriers in the world of football.
He began his career with a match between Derby and Wimbledon.
Sadly, he had a health condition that prevented him from walking.
His contributions have inspired generations in the football community.
He will be remembered for his impact on the sport.
Uriah Rennie, the first Black referee in the Premier League, has died at 65.
He officiated over 300 top-flight matches between 1997 and 2008.
Rennie was born in Jamaica and grew up in Sheffield, England.
His breakthrough appointment was at a Derby vs. Wimbledon game in August 1997.
He had an inoperable neurological condition that confined him to a wheelchair.
- Who
- Uriah Rennie
- What
- Died at the age of 65
- When
- June 9, 2025
- Where
- Sheffield, England
- Why
- Suffered from an inoperable neurological condition.
- Age at Death
- 65
- Place of Death
- Sheffield, England
- Profession
- Premier League Referee
- Matches Officiated
- 300+
- Years as Referee
- 1997-2008