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==Life outside football==
==Life outside football==
Rennie was married and had a daughter and a son.<ref name=AYUP/> He had a [[master's degree]] in business administration and law, and was a [[Magistrate (England and Wales)|magistrate]] in Sheffield.<ref name="BBC Obit">{{cite news| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c0mr7xlmkxyo| title=First black Premier League referee Rennie dies aged 65| publisher=[[BBC Sport]]| date=8 June 2025| accessdate=9 June 2025}}</ref> He also practised both [[kick-boxing]] and [[aikido]],<ref>{{cite news | date=26 July 2004 | url=http://www.givemefootball.com/display.cfm?article=4758&type=1 | title=Come on ref| publisher=[[Professional Footballers' Association|PFA]] | access-date=20 January 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061020091808/http://www.givemefootball.com/display.cfm?article=4758&type=1 <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 20 October 2006}}</ref> achieving a [[Black belt (martial arts)|black belt]].<ref name="BBC Obit"/>
Rennie was married and had a daughter and a son.<ref name=AYUP/> He had a [[master's degree]] in business administration and law, and was a [[Magistrate (England and Wales)|magistrate]] in Sheffield.<ref name="BBC Obit">{{cite news|title=First black Premier League referee Rennie dies aged 65|publisher=BBC |work=[[BBC Sport]]|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c0mr7xlmkxyo|date=8 June 2025|accessdate=9 June 2025}}</ref> He also practised both [[kick-boxing]] and [[aikido]],<ref>{{cite news|date=26 July 2004| url=http://www.givemefootball.com/display.cfm?article=4758&type=1 |title=Come on ref|publisher=[[Professional Footballers' Association]]| access-date=20 January 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061020091808/http://www.givemefootball.com/display.cfm?article=4758&type=1|url-status=dead|archive-date=20 October 2006}}</ref> achieving a [[Black belt (martial arts)|black belt]].<ref name="BBC Obit"/>


Rennie later became president of [[Hallam F.C.]] In that role, he officiated an historic [[Sheffield Rules]]–style football match dressed in a [[top hat]].<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news/play-up-and-play-the-game-chaps-and-push-over-anyone-in-the-way-sheffield-school-teams-prepare-to-play-football-according-to-the-1858-rules-8673745.html| title=Play up and play the game, chaps... and push over anyone in the way: Sheffield school teams prepare to play football according to the 1858 rules| work=[[The Independent]]| date=26 June 2013| accessdate=9 June 2024}}</ref> He refused to lend organisers of the [[2022 FIFA World Cup]] in Qatar the world's oldest football trophy, [[Youdan Cup]], due to Qatar's stance on LGBTQ+ rights.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/qatar-world-cup-sheffield-ex-fifa-ref-uriah-rennie-rejected-loan-of-oldest-trophy-after-lgbt-comments-row-3951518| title=Qatar World Cup: Sheffield ex-FIFA ref Uriah Rennie rejected loan of 'oldest trophy' after LGBT comments row| work=[[The Star (Sheffield newspaper)|The Star]]| date=13 December 2022| accessdate=9 June 2025}}</ref> Rennie appeared as himself in the [[BBC Two]] drama ''[[Marvellous]]'', broadcast in September 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |title=BBC Two - Marvellous |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b04jmx7l |publisher=BBC |access-date=2025-06-12 |language=en-GB}}</ref> In August 2015, he became the referee in the [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]] game show, ''[[Freeze Out (game show)|Freeze Out]]'', presented by [[Mark Durden-Smith]].<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--not stated-->|date=10 August 2015 |title=On thin ice: is Freeze Out the most ludicrous game show ever? |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/tvandradioblog/2015/aug/10/on-thin-ice-is-freeze-out-the-most-ludicrous-game-show-ever |work=[[The Guardian]] |location=London |access-date=25 June 2024}}</ref>
Rennie later became president of [[Hallam F.C.]] In that role, he officiated an historic [[Sheffield Rules]]–style football match dressed in a [[top hat]].<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news/play-up-and-play-the-game-chaps-and-push-over-anyone-in-the-way-sheffield-school-teams-prepare-to-play-football-according-to-the-1858-rules-8673745.html| title=Play up and play the game, chaps... and push over anyone in the way: Sheffield school teams prepare to play football according to the 1858 rules| work=[[The Independent]]| date=26 June 2013| accessdate=9 June 2024}}</ref> He refused to lend organisers of the [[2022 FIFA World Cup]] in Qatar the world's oldest football trophy, [[Youdan Cup]], due to Qatar's stance on LGBTQ+ rights.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/qatar-world-cup-sheffield-ex-fifa-ref-uriah-rennie-rejected-loan-of-oldest-trophy-after-lgbt-comments-row-3951518| title=Qatar World Cup: Sheffield ex-FIFA ref Uriah Rennie rejected loan of 'oldest trophy' after LGBT comments row| work=[[The Star (Sheffield newspaper)|The Star]]| date=13 December 2022| accessdate=9 June 2025}}</ref> Rennie appeared as himself in the [[BBC Two]] drama ''[[Marvellous]]'', broadcast in September 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |title=BBC Two - Marvellous |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b04jmx7l |publisher=BBC |access-date=2025-06-12}}</ref> In August 2015, he became the referee in the [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]] game show, ''[[Freeze Out (game show)|Freeze Out]]'', presented by [[Mark Durden-Smith]].<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--not stated-->|date=10 August 2015 |title=On thin ice: is Freeze Out the most ludicrous game show ever? |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/tvandradioblog/2015/aug/10/on-thin-ice-is-freeze-out-the-most-ludicrous-game-show-ever |work=[[The Guardian]] |location=London |access-date=25 June 2024}}</ref>


In November 2023, he was awarded an honorary doctorate at [[Sheffield Hallam University]] for his work in the community of Sheffield, namely Sheffield Federation for School Sports and Weston Park Hospital.<ref name="BBC Obit"/> In November 2024, it was announced he was to become the new chancellor of the university and he was installed in May 2025.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.shu.ac.uk/news/all-articles/latest-news/uriah-rennie-chancellor-announcement|title=Premier League trailblazer and community champion set to become university Chancellor|publisher=shu.ac.uk|date=8 November 2024|access-date=8 November 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.shu.ac.uk/news/all-articles/latest-news/chancellor-installation|title=Uriah Rennie installed as Sheffield Hallam University Chancellor|publisher=shu.ac.uk|date=7 May 2025|access-date=27 May 2025}}</ref>
In November 2023, he was awarded an honorary doctorate at [[Sheffield Hallam University]] for his work in the community of Sheffield, namely Sheffield Federation for School Sports and Weston Park Hospital.<ref name="BBC Obit"/> In November 2024, it was announced he was to become the new chancellor of the university and he was installed in May 2025.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.shu.ac.uk/news/all-articles/latest-news/uriah-rennie-chancellor-announcement|title=Premier League trailblazer and community champion set to become university Chancellor|publisher=Sheffield Hallam University|website=shu.ac.uk|date=8 November 2024|access-date=8 November 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.shu.ac.uk/news/all-articles/latest-news/chancellor-installation|title=Uriah Rennie installed as Sheffield Hallam University Chancellor|publisher=Sheffield Hallam University|website=shu.ac.uk|date=7 May 2025|access-date=27 May 2025}}</ref>


In April 2025, Rennie revealed he was learning to walk again after a rare condition left him paralysed from the waist down.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crm3zzpyz43o |title='I was a Premier League referee, but now I'm learning to walk again' |publisher=[[BBC News]] |date=3 April 2025 |accessdate=3 April 2025}}</ref> His death was announced on 8 June 2025 by the Sheffield & Hallamshire County Football Association,<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/13380934/uriah-rennie-premier-leagues-first-black-referee-dies-aged-65-as-tributes-paid-to-trailblazing-official| title=Uriah Rennie, Premier League's first Black referee, dies aged 65 as tributes paid to 'trailblazing' official| publisher=Sky Sports| date=8 June 2025| accessdate=8 June 2025}}</ref> Rennie having died the day prior.<ref name="SHU-tribute">{{cite web| url=https://www.shu.ac.uk/news/all-articles/latest-news/uriah-rennie-statement| title=University pays tribute to Chancellor Uriah Rennie| publisher=Sheffield Hallam University| date=9 June 2025| accessdate=9 June 2025}}</ref> Following the news, his family revealed that he had been privately battling cancer.<ref name="SHU-tribute"/><ref>{{cite web |last=Spereall |first=David |date=9 June 2025 |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8rennpgnj6o| title=Tributes to 'proud Sheffielder' and referee Rennie | publisher=[[BBC News]]| accessdate=9 June 2025}}</ref>
In April 2025, Rennie revealed he was learning to walk again after a rare condition left him paralysed from the waist down.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crm3zzpyz43o |title='I was a Premier League referee, but now I'm learning to walk again'|publisher=BBC |work=[[BBC News]] |date=3 April 2025 |accessdate=3 April 2025}}</ref> His death was announced on 8 June 2025 by the Sheffield & Hallamshire County Football Association,<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/13380934/uriah-rennie-premier-leagues-first-black-referee-dies-aged-65-as-tributes-paid-to-trailblazing-official| title=Uriah Rennie, Premier League's first Black referee, dies aged 65 as tributes paid to 'trailblazing' official| publisher=Sky Sports| date=8 June 2025| accessdate=8 June 2025}}</ref> Rennie having died the day prior.<ref name="SHU-tribute">{{cite web|url=https://www.shu.ac.uk/news/all-articles/latest-news/uriah-rennie-statement|title=University pays tribute to Chancellor Uriah Rennie|publisher=Sheffield Hallam University|website=shu.ac.uk|date=9 June 2025|accessdate=9 June 2025}}</ref> Following the news, his family revealed that he had been privately battling cancer.<ref name="SHU-tribute"/><ref>{{cite web|last=Spereall |first=David|date=9 June 2025|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8rennpgnj6o| title=Tributes to 'proud Sheffielder' and referee Rennie |publisher=BBC|work=[[BBC News]]| accessdate=9 June 2025}}</ref>


==References==
==References==

Revision as of 12:12, 14 June 2025

Uriah Rennie
Rennie in 2007
Full name Uriah Duddley Rennie
Born (1959-10-23)23 October 1959
Jamaica
Died 7 June 2025(2025-06-07) (aged 65)
Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England
Other occupation Magistrate, university chancellor
Domestic
Years League Role
–1994 Northern Premier League Referee
1994–1997 Football League Referee
1997–2008 Premier League Referee
International
Years League Role
2000–2004 FIFA listed Referee

Uriah Duddley Rennie (23 October 1959 – 7 June 2025) was an English football referee. He was the first black referee to officiate in the Premier League, and officiated over 300 Premier League matches between 1997 and 2008.[1]

Early life

Uriah Duddley Rennie was born on 23 October 1959 in Jamaica.[2][3] He moved to Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England, at the age of six.[4]

Refereeing

Rennie began refereeing in 1979 in local leagues, then operated in the Northern Premier League until 1994, at which time he was appointed to The Football League list of referees. The Premier League's first black referee, he was given his first appointment in the competition on 13 August 1997, overseeing a game between Derby County and Wimbledon. He had to abandon the match, the first competitive game at Derby's new Pride Park Stadium, because of a floodlight failure.[5][6]

Rennie became a FIFA referee in 2000,[7] and joined the Select Group of professional referees the following year.[8] Keith Hackett, head of the Professional Game Match Officials Board described him as "the fittest referee we have ever seen on the national and world scene."[9]

At the end of 2004, he retired from the FIFA list, after reaching the compulsory age of 45, but made a return to active refereeing in November 2007.[10] He retired again in 2008, having officiated in over 300 Premier League matches.[11] Following his retirement, it was 15 years until another black referee officiated a Premier League match.[7][11]

Life outside football

Rennie was married and had a daughter and a son.[9] He had a master's degree in business administration and law, and was a magistrate in Sheffield.[7] He also practised both kick-boxing and aikido,[12] achieving a black belt.[7]

Rennie later became president of Hallam F.C. In that role, he officiated an historic Sheffield Rules–style football match dressed in a top hat.[13] He refused to lend organisers of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar the world's oldest football trophy, Youdan Cup, due to Qatar's stance on LGBTQ+ rights.[14] Rennie appeared as himself in the BBC Two drama Marvellous, broadcast in September 2014.[15] In August 2015, he became the referee in the ITV game show, Freeze Out, presented by Mark Durden-Smith.[16]

In November 2023, he was awarded an honorary doctorate at Sheffield Hallam University for his work in the community of Sheffield, namely Sheffield Federation for School Sports and Weston Park Hospital.[7] In November 2024, it was announced he was to become the new chancellor of the university and he was installed in May 2025.[17][18]

In April 2025, Rennie revealed he was learning to walk again after a rare condition left him paralysed from the waist down.[19] His death was announced on 8 June 2025 by the Sheffield & Hallamshire County Football Association,[20] Rennie having died the day prior.[21] Following the news, his family revealed that he had been privately battling cancer.[21][22]

References

  1. ^ "Premier League's first Black referee Rennie dies aged 65". Reuters. 9 June 2025. Retrieved 11 June 2025.
  2. ^ "Nederland O19 1–1 Noorwegen O19" [Netherlands U19 1–1 Norway U19] (in Dutch). Royal Dutch Football Association. Retrieved 26 January 2025.
  3. ^ "Referee Profiles". The Football League. Archived from the original on 17 April 2008.
  4. ^ "Football: Coppell heaps praise on Uriah". The Independent. London. 24 August 1997. Retrieved 26 January 2025.
  5. ^ Adrian Kajumba (28 October 2024). "How Rennie broke barriers as Premier League's first black referee". Premier League. Retrieved 27 May 2025.
  6. ^ Jon Ungoed-Thomas (20 November 2021). "Elite football in England has 40 referees – all white. Why don't black officials get top jobs?". The Guardian. Retrieved 28 December 2022.
  7. ^ a b c d e "First black Premier League referee Rennie dies aged 65". BBC Sport. BBC. 8 June 2025. Retrieved 9 June 2025.
  8. ^ Career, details: Premier League Official website. Retrieved 10 March 2007.
  9. ^ a b "Uriah Rennie's Red Card Blues". AYUP. Archived from the original on 24 January 2007. Retrieved 20 January 2007.
  10. ^ "Argyle Get Top Ref for Saints Game". 15 January 2008.
  11. ^ a b "Uriah Rennie, the Premier League's first black referee, dies aged 65". Sky News. 8 June 2025. Retrieved 9 June 2025.
  12. ^ "Come on ref". Professional Footballers' Association. 26 July 2004. Archived from the original on 20 October 2006. Retrieved 20 January 2007.
  13. ^ "Play up and play the game, chaps... and push over anyone in the way: Sheffield school teams prepare to play football according to the 1858 rules". The Independent. 26 June 2013. Retrieved 9 June 2024.
  14. ^ "Qatar World Cup: Sheffield ex-FIFA ref Uriah Rennie rejected loan of 'oldest trophy' after LGBT comments row". The Star. 13 December 2022. Retrieved 9 June 2025.
  15. ^ "BBC Two - Marvellous". BBC. Retrieved 12 June 2025.
  16. ^ "On thin ice: is Freeze Out the most ludicrous game show ever?". The Guardian. London. 10 August 2015. Retrieved 25 June 2024.
  17. ^ "Premier League trailblazer and community champion set to become university Chancellor". shu.ac.uk. Sheffield Hallam University. 8 November 2024. Retrieved 8 November 2024.
  18. ^ "Uriah Rennie installed as Sheffield Hallam University Chancellor". shu.ac.uk. Sheffield Hallam University. 7 May 2025. Retrieved 27 May 2025.
  19. ^ "'I was a Premier League referee, but now I'm learning to walk again'". BBC News. BBC. 3 April 2025. Retrieved 3 April 2025.
  20. ^ "Uriah Rennie, Premier League's first Black referee, dies aged 65 as tributes paid to 'trailblazing' official". Sky Sports. 8 June 2025. Retrieved 8 June 2025.
  21. ^ a b "University pays tribute to Chancellor Uriah Rennie". shu.ac.uk. Sheffield Hallam University. 9 June 2025. Retrieved 9 June 2025.
  22. ^ Spereall, David (9 June 2025). "Tributes to 'proud Sheffielder' and referee Rennie". BBC News. BBC. Retrieved 9 June 2025.
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