Premier League's first black referee, Uriah Rennie, passed away at the age of 65. Rennie officiated 300 games between 1997 and 2008, including 175 Premier League matches. His career included the top-flight match between Derby County and Wimbledon in 1997, making history as a trailblazer. A statement by the Sheffield & Hallamshire County Football Association highlighted his contributions and impact on the football community.
Recently, Rennie revealed his struggle with a rare condition that left him paralyzed from the waist down. Born in Jamaica and raised in Sheffield, he started refereeing in local football in 1979. Rennie was also a magistrate in Sheffield since 1996, campaigning on various issues like improving equality and inclusion in sports, mental health, and tackling deprivation. In November 2023, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by Sheffield Hallam University for his distinguished contributions to sports and work with South Yorkshire communities.
Leon Mann, co-founder of the Football Black List, expressed condolences for Rennie's passing, acknowledging his pioneering role in the game and his efforts to push open the doors for future generations.
Source: BBC Sports Football
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