Premier League’s first Black referee Rennie dies aged 65

Premier League referee Uriah Rennie.
| Photograph Credit score: AP

Uriah Rennie, the primary Black referee within the Premier League, has died aged 65, the Sheffield and Hallamshire County Soccer Affiliation mentioned on Sunday.

Jamaican-born Rennie, who grew up in Sheffield, made historical past in 1997 when he refereed a Premier League match between Derby County and Wimbledon. He went on to officiate in over 300 video games – together with 175 in England’s prime flight.

“As the primary Black referee within the Premier League, Uriah was a pioneering trailblazer whose legacy will dwell on, persevering with to encourage future generations,” the Premier League mentioned in an announcement on Monday.

Rennie retired in 2008 and 15 years handed earlier than one other Black official took cost of a Premier League recreation, Sam Allison refereeing Sheffield United towards Luton City in 2023.

In April, Rennie instructed the BBC he was studying to stroll once more after being left paralysed from the waist down by a uncommon situation.

“Extremely unhappy to listen to of the passing of referee Uriah Rennie. A pioneer, trailblazer and a bloody good ref,” former England and Liverpool striker Stan Collymore wrote on social media.