Uriah Rennie, the trailblazing first black referee in the Premier League, has tragically passed away at the age of 65.
Rennie, a widely respected figure in English football, had recently spoken publicly about a rare medical condition that led to him becoming paralysed from the waist down.
Once recognised as one of the “fittest” referees in England`s top division, Rennie officiated more than 300 Premier League matches between 1997 and 2008.
His health declined after he suffered intense back pain while on holiday in Turkey last year. He was subsequently admitted to Northern General Hospital in October.
Recounting the onset of his illness, Rennie told the BBC: “I thought I had just slept funny on a sun lounger, I was hoping to go paragliding but because of my backache I couldn`t go. By the end of the holiday I couldn`t sleep a wink from the pain, and by the time I got home I could barely walk.”
He remained hospitalised until February, undergoing diagnosis and initial treatment. “I spent a month laid on my back and another four months sitting in bed… they found a nodule pushing on my spine and it was a rare neurological condition so it`s not something they can operate on,” he explained. “I have had to learn to move all over again, I`m retraining my legs.”
Rennie described the dramatic change in his life: “It was strange – I went from running around the city to in essence being in traction for such a long time. I didn`t have any previous back problems but quite suddenly I wasn`t able to move and was in a spinal unit.”
Beyond his refereeing career, Rennie had served as a magistrate in Sheffield since 1996 and was a keen advocate for improving equality and inclusion in sport. He was also set to begin a new role as chancellor of Sheffield Hallam University shortly before he was first admitted to hospital.
Following his hospital discharge, he dedicated considerable time to physiotherapy and movement exercises at his home.
Describing his physical state a few months ago, he said: “I can move my feet and I can stand with a frame attached to my wheelchair but I need to work on my glutes. I rock around in my chair doing my exercises, I`m a very good, compliant patient.” Despite the challenges, he added: “It has been frustrating but family and friends have been invaluable, the hospital was absolutely superb and the university has been exceptional.”
Uriah Rennie etched his name into history in 1997 by becoming the Premier League`s first black referee, taking charge of a match between Derby County and Wimbledon.
Tributes have been shared from across the football community.
A statement from the FA Refereeing Department expressed their sadness: “The FA Refereeing Department is saddened to hear 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 time.”
Sheffield United Football Club posted on 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 paid his respects, saying: “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, where Rennie served as a former Chair, also offered a tribute: “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.”
