Uriah Rennie, the groundbreaking first black referee in the Premier League, has sadly passed away at the age of 65.
Rennie, a revered figure in English football, had recently revealed his battle with a rare neurological condition that had left him paralyzed from the waist down.
Lauded as one of the “fittest” referees in England`s top flight, Rennie oversaw more than 300 Premier League matches between 1997 and 2008, leaving an indelible mark on the game.
His health took a sudden turn last year during a holiday in Turkey, where he experienced severe back pain. Admitted to Northern General Hospital in October, Rennie shared his alarming experience:
“I initially thought I had just slept awkwardly on a sun lounger. I had plans to go paragliding, but the backache prevented it. By the end of the holiday, the pain was so intense I couldn`t sleep, and by the time I returned home, I could barely walk.”
He spent several months in hospital, receiving treatment. “I was bedridden for a month and then sat in bed for another four months,” he explained. “They kept me in hospital until February. Doctors discovered a nodule pressing on my spine, a symptom of a rare neurological condition that is inoperable.”
His recovery involved extensive rehabilitation: “I`ve had to relearn how to move all over again; I`m retraining my legs,” he stated. “It was bizarre – I went from actively navigating the city to essentially being in traction for such a long period. I had no prior back issues, yet suddenly, I was immobilized and in a spinal unit.”
Beyond his refereeing career, Rennie served as a magistrate in Sheffield since 1996 and was a passionate advocate for equality and inclusion in sports. He was on the brink of beginning a new role as Sheffield Hallam University chancellor when his health crisis began.
In recent months, he dedicated much of his time to physiotherapy and home exercises. Describing his progress, he remarked: “I can move my feet and stand with a frame attached to my wheelchair, but I need to strengthen my glutes. I dutifully do my exercises in my chair; I`m a very compliant patient. It`s been challenging, but the support from family and friends has been invaluable. The hospital staff were superb, and the university has been exceptionally supportive.”
Rennie made history in 1997 by becoming the Premier League`s first black referee, officiating his inaugural top-flight match between Derby County and Wimbledon.
Tributes have poured in from across the football community. The FA Refereeing Department released a statement: “The FA Refereeing Department is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former FIFA and Premier League referee, Uriah Rennie. Uriah will forever be remembered as a true trailblazer of the game. Our thoughts are with Uriah`s family and friends at this difficult time.”
Sheffield United also expressed their condolences via social media: “Sheffield United are saddened to learn of the passing of popular and trailblazing referee Uriah Rennie. Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this time.”
Former Premier League striker Stan Collymore tweeted: “Incredibly sad to hear of the passing of referee Uriah Rennie. A pioneer, trailblazer and a bloody good ref. Rest in peace, Ref.”
The Sheffield FA honored Rennie, stating: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former Chair and trailblazing referee, Uriah Rennie. Uriah made history as the Premier League’s first Black referee, officiating over 300 top-flight matches between 1997 and 2008. He broke down barriers, shaped our football community, and inspired generations to come. Our thoughts are with Uriah’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
