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Uriah Rennie, Premier League’s First Black Referee, Dies at 65

His death follows his appointment as chancellor at Sheffield Hallam University after he began relearning to walk from a rare inoperable neurological condition.

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Football - Blackburn Rovers v Derby County - Barclays Premier League - Ewood Park - 07/08 - 3/5/08 Uriah Rennie - Referee Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Paul Currie/File Photo
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Overview

  • Rennie broke new ground in 1997 as the Premier League’s first black referee and went on to officiate more than 300 top-flight matches before retiring in 2008.
  • Last year he was diagnosed with a rare neurological condition that left a nodule pressing on his spine and caused paralysis from the waist down.
  • He was formally installed as chancellor of Sheffield Hallam University in May 2025 after receiving an honorary doctorate and praised the institution’s support during his rehabilitation.
  • The FA, Sheffield United, Sheffield Wednesday, Sheffield Eagles and former players such as Stan Collymore paid tribute to Rennie as a trailblazer whose impact transcended the pitch.
  • Born in Jamaica and raised in Sheffield from the age of six, Rennie used his platform to break down racial barriers and inspire future generations of referees.