Uriah Rennie, the Premier League’s first Black referee and a pioneering figure in English football, has died at the age of 65.

Rennie officiated over 300 professional matches between 1997 and 2008, including 175 in the Premier League. Known for his composure, authority, and commitment to fairness, he was widely respected on and off the pitch.

Anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out paid tribute to Rennie, calling him “a trailblazer in every sense” and “a Premier League legend” whose leadership and visibility inspired many. “Uriah played a massive role in shaping the game as we know it today. Football should always be grateful to him,” the organisation said.

The Premier League echoed those sentiments, stating, “Uriah was a pioneering trailblazer whose legacy will live on, continuing to inspire future generations.”

Born in Jamaica, Rennie moved to Sheffield as a child and began refereeing local matches in 1979. His historic rise culminated in his Premier League debut in 1997, when he took charge of a game between Derby County and Wimbledon.

Beyond football, Rennie served as a magistrate in Sheffield from 1996 and dedicated much of his life to social causes, including advocating for equality and inclusion in sport, mental health awareness, and community development.

He held a master’s degree in business administration and law and was recently recognised with an honorary doctorate from Sheffield Hallam University in November 2023. In May 2025, he was installed as the university’s chancellor — a role that symbolised his longstanding commitment to education and public service.

Leon Mann, co-founder of the Football Black List, described Rennie as “a Black pioneering referee and leader in the game,” adding, “We owe so much to those who push open the doors. Uriah should never, ever be forgotten.”

Rennie had recently spoken about his health struggles, revealing that he was relearning how to walk after a rare condition left him paralysed from the waist down.

The Sheffield & Hallamshire County FA, where Rennie once served as chair, said: “He broke down barriers, shaped our football community, and inspired generations to come.”

Uriah Rennie’s legacy extends far beyond the pitch, marking him as a figure of resilience, progress, and lasting impact.