Uriah Rennie, the Premier League's first Black referee, dies at 65.

The Sheffield and Hallamshire Counties Football Association announced the death of Uriah Rennie , the Premier League 's first Black referee, on Sunday. He was 65.

Rennie, born in Jamaica and raised in Sheffield , made history in 1997 by refereeing a Premier League match between Derby County and Wimbledon. He went on to officiate over 300 matches, including 175 in the top flight of English football.

"We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former president and pioneering referee, Uriah Rennie," the association said on social media.

"Our thoughts go out to Uriah's family and friends during this difficult time." Rennie retired in 2008, and it would be 15 years before another Black referee officiated a Premier League match. Sam Allison officiated the Sheffield United vs. Luton Town match in 2023.

In April, Rennie told the BBC he was learning to walk again after being paralyzed from the waist down due to a rare condition.

"It is with great sadness to learn of the passing of referee Uriah Rennie. A pioneer, a mastermind, and an exceptional referee," former England and Liverpool player Stan Collymore said on social media. "Rest in peace, referee."