Uriah Duddley Rennie (23 October 1959 – 8 June 2025) was a trailblazing English football referee, best known as the first black official to referee in the Premier League. He is remembered for breaking racial barriers in English football and for his professionalism and exceptional fitness on the pitch.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Uriah Duddley Rennie |
| Date of Birth | 23 October 1959 |
| Place of Birth | Jamaica |
| Nationality | English |
| Partner | Married |
| Children | Daughter and son |
| Occupations | Football referee, magistrate, president of Hallam F.C. |
| Date of Death | 8 June 2025 |
Early Life and Education
Born in Jamaica, Rennie relocated to Sheffield, England, when he was six years old and grew up in the Wybourn district.
He pursued higher education, obtaining a master’s degree in business administration and law. Aside from refereeing, Rennie was a magistrate in Sheffield and practiced martial arts, including kickboxing and aikido.
Career
Rennie started his refereeing journey in local football leagues in 1979, gradually advancing through the Northern Premier League. He joined the Football League referees list in 1994.
In 1997, he made history by becoming the first black referee to officiate a Premier League match, debuting in a game between Derby County and Wimbledon.
He earned his FIFA referee status in 2000 and became part of the Select Group of professional referees in 2001.
Over his career, Rennie officiated more than 300 top-tier matches, including 175 in the Premier League, before retiring in 2008.
He was widely respected for his authoritative style and outstanding physical conditioning.
Personal Life
Rennie was married and had two children, a daughter and a son. Beyond football, he was deeply involved in community and charitable activities.
He served as president of Hallam F.C. and appeared on television shows, including a BBC drama and an ITV game show.
In his later years, Rennie faced significant health challenges, including paralysis from the waist down caused by a rare neurological disorder, and was actively undergoing rehabilitation to regain mobility.
Death
Uriah Rennie passed away on 8 June 2025 in Sheffield at the age of 65. His passing was met with widespread sorrow in the football community, with many paying tribute to his pioneering contributions and lasting influence on the sport.
Legacy
Rennie’s legacy is defined by his role as the Premier League’s first black referee, paving the way for greater diversity in football officiating and inspiring future generations.
In recognition of his contributions to sport and society, he received an honorary doctorate from Sheffield Hallam University in 2023.
In 2025, he was appointed chancellor of the university, reflecting his dedication to education and community engagement.
His impact extended beyond football, as he was a passionate advocate for equality, inclusion, and mental health awareness.
