Death of An Old Friend and Erstwhile Colleague.

Uriah Rennie, first black referee in Premier League, dies aged 65.

• Trailblazing official battled rare neurological condition

• Rennie oversaw more than 300 top-flight matches

PA Media

Sun 8 Jun 2025 2

Uriah Rennie, the first black Premier League referee, has died at the age of 65. The Jamaica-born official grew up in Sheffield and oversaw more than 300 top-flight matches, starting with his breakthrough appointment as Derby hosted Wimbledon in August 1997. The game was, however, abandoned due to floodlight failure. Guardian.