Uriah Rennie: 'A great referee and a great person'

More tributes have been paid to former Premier League referee Uriah Rennie on the day of his funeral.

Rennie, the Premier League’s first black referee, died at the age of 65 on 7 June and his funeral was held at Sheffield Cathedral on Monday.

Current and former match officials, as well as Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters, offered their own personal condolences.

Sam Allison (Select Group 2 referee, below left) 

"Uri meant more to me than he ever truly knew. As a Black man in football and society, there are things you carry quietly. Things aren’t always spoken but felt. Uriah understood that, he got it. He knew what it meant to stand out before you were accepted. To walk into rooms where you weren’t before and still hold your head up high.

"As two men with Jamaican heritage, there was a shared understanding between us that went beyond words. The culture, the strength, the pride - it was in him and he passed that on to me, through every conversation, every word of encouragement. Every moment, he showed me to be yourself fully without apology.  

"Uri supported me, helped me, guided me - not just as a referee but a man. He reminded me that I belong, even when I doubted it.

"I just had to keep showing up with integrity with pride and purpose. He led by example, not by noise or ego but with strength and unwavering dignity. I carry that with me, especially when I go out onto the pitch.

"His legacy isn’t in just what he achieved but how he made people believe, like me, that you could do the same and more.

"To me, Uriah was a mentor, a brother, a trailblazer - I’m proud to have known him. I’m better for it. I’ll keep walking through those doors that he opened for me. Rest in peace my brother, you’ll always be my friend."

Akil Howson (Select Group 1 assistant referee, above right) 

"I don’t think any words will ever fully capture what Uriah Rennie means to me. Without Uri, I wouldn’t be where I am today. You can’t be what you can’t see.

"Watching him break through that barrier made me realise it could be done, and done again. When I was coming through, he didn’t just watch from afar, he offered guidance, advice, encouragement and even care, as well as staying in touch with my mum.

"A refereeing legend, a Premier League legend. An icon in our community. Thank you, Uri - for everything."

Farai Hallam (Select Group Supplementary List, below left)

“Uri was a man who many looked up to from afar because of what he achieved. You look at the stature of the man, seeing how strong he was – that was clear when you met him.

"He was kind and had time for people, something which resonated with me. He also had a warming nature which made you feel at ease and took a real interest in you.

"He wanted you to push on and be the best version of yourself yet he never spoke about himself. That showed the kind of character he was and how humble. He will be sorely missed by those from the refereeing world.”

Howard Webb (PGMOL Chief Refereeing Officer, below centre)

“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.” 

Chris Foy (ex-Premier League referee, above right) 

"He was one of us. He was a fantastic person, an outstanding referee, a friend and my room-mate. He looked after me.

"He had time for everybody. If you were an elite referee, he had time for you. If you were a grassroots referee, he had more time for you.

"He cared about the game, about people, fans, players, coaches alike.

"He cared passionately about charity and community work. He was a real people person, an outstanding sportsman, a super referee.

"A brilliant cricketer, table tennis, tennis, badminton, you name it. He could play the lot. He was always also proficient in martial arts as well. I had the bruises to prove it when we roomed together. What would I give for one more dead leg.

"Uri, you'll be sorely missed. Rest in peace, mate. God bless. "

Richard Masters (Premier League CEO)

“Uriah Rennie had a significant impact on English football and, as the first Black referee in the Premier League, his legacy will live on and inspire others.

"His enthusiasm and charisma were evident for all to see. Having officiated more than 300 top-flight matches, Uriah displayed great professionalism, authority and integrity.

"On the day we celebrate his life and recognise his achievements, we acknowledge the inspiration he provided to so many. The thoughts and condolences of everyone at the Premier League are with his family and friends.”