Uriah Rennie, the Premier League’s first black referee, has died aged 65.
Rennie officiated greater than 300 video games between 1997 and 2008, together with 175 Premier League matches.
“We’re deeply saddened to study of the passing of our former chair and trailblazing referee, Uriah Rennie,” mentioned a Sheffield & Hallamshire County Soccer Affiliation
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“Uriah made historical past because the Premier League’s first Black referee, officiating over 300 top-flight matches between 1997 and 2008. He broke down limitations, formed our soccer neighborhood and impressed generations to return.”
Rennie not too long ago revealed after a uncommon situation left him paralysed from the waist down.
Born in Jamaica, he moved to Sheffield as a baby and grew up within the Wybourn space of the town.
He began refereeing in native soccer in 1979 earlier than making historical past in 1997 when he oversaw the top-flight match between Derby County and Wimbledon.
“Extremely unhappy information in regards to the passing of Uriah Rennie. A Black pioneering referee and chief within the recreation,” mentioned Leon Mann, co-founder of the Soccer Black Record.
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“We owe a lot to those that push open the doorways. Uriah ought to by no means, ever be forgotten.
“Ideas and prayers with Uriah’s household and shut buddies.”
Rennie had been a Justice of the Peace in Sheffield since 1996 and campaigned on points together with enhancing equality and inclusion in sport, psychological well being and tackling deprivation.
He had a grasp’s diploma in enterprise administration and regulation and, in November 2023, was awarded an honorary doctorate by Sheffield Hallam College for his distinguished contributions to sport and his work with South Yorkshire communities.
In Might, of the college.
