Uriah Rennie, the primary Black referee within the Premier League, has died aged 65, the Sheffield and Hallamshire County Soccer Affiliation stated on Sunday.
Jamaican-born Rennie, who grew up in Sheffield, made historical past in 1997 when he refereed a Premier League match between Derby County and Wimbledon.
He went on to officiate over 300 matches — together with 175 video games in England’s prime flight.
“We’re deeply saddened to study of the passing of our former Chair and trailblazing referee, Uriah Rennie,” the affiliation stated on social media.
“Our ideas are with Uriah’s household and mates at this tough time.”
Rennie retired in 2008 and it could be 15 years earlier than one other Black official took cost of a Premier League recreation, with Sam Allison officiating a match between Sheffield United and Luton City in 2023.
In April, Rennie advised the BBC he was studying to stroll once more after being left paralysed from the waist down by a uncommon situation.
“Extremely unhappy to listen to of the passing of referee Uriah Rennie. A pioneer, trailblazer and a bloody good ref,” former England and Liverpool participant Stan Collymore stated on social media.
“Relaxation in peace, Ref.”