Tributes paid to pioneering referee Uriah Rennie

Tributes are being paid to Uriah Rennie, the Premier League’s first black referee, who has died at the age of 65.

Rennie joined the list of match officials in 1994 and was promoted to the Premier League in 1997, going on to officiate over 300 top-flight matches.

Born in Jamaica, he moved to Sheffield, South Yorkshire, as a child.

He started officiating in 1979 and made history as the Premier League’s first black referee when he took charge of the match between Derby County and Wimbledon on 13 August 1997. Unfortunately, his debut was cut short when floodlight failure forced him to abandon the match early into the second half. 

A Premier League statement said: “The Premier League is deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of Uriah Rennie. As the first Black referee in the Premier League, Uriah was a pioneering trailblazer whose legacy will live on, continuing to inspire future generations. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”

PGMOL Chief Refereeing Officer Howard Webb said: “Uri was not only a trailblazer who paved the way for many others after becoming the first Black referee in the Premier League, he was a great person and a great referee who cared deeply about his community and helping people fulfil their potential. 
 
“He was a strong influence on our refereeing group too, offering a calming presence and we shared many good times together. An epitome of a role model, Uri was a valued member of the football family who has been taken from us too soon. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time. He will be sorely missed by us all but his legacy will live on.”

Leon Mann, the founder of the Football Black List, which celebrates the impact of Black individuals in the football industry, said on X: “Incredibly sad news about the passing of Uriah Rennie. A Black pioneering referee and leader in the game. We owe so much to those who push open the doors. Uriah should never ever be forgotten.”

In a statement on the EFL website, Rennie was described as a referee "known for his professionalism, exceptional fitness, and calm authority, he served the game with distinction over a refereeing career that spanned more than a decade."

Football family pays tribute

Former players, managers and match officials offered their own personal tributes, along with anti-discrimination body Kick It Out, in recognising the impact Rennie had both on and off the pitch.

"A trailblazer in every sense, he will always be a Premier League legend by becoming its first Black referee, providing leadership, talent and visibility that proved inspirational to many," said Kick It Out on X.

"Uriah played a massive role in shaping the game as we know it today. Football should always be grateful to him. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and all those who were inspired by him."

Former players including Thomas Hal Robson-Kanu and Nigel Quashie shared their condolences on social media also.

While former Manchester City and Brighton & Hove Albion manager Brian Horton along with Mark Halsey, who officiated in the Premier League, paid their own tributes.