PREMIER League’s first black referee Uriah Rennie has tragically passed away aged 65.
Legend Rennie had recently opened up about a rare condition that left him paralysed from the waist down.
Once described as the “fittest” referee in England’s top division, Rennie refereed over 300 top flight matches between 1997 and 2008.
But after experiencing intense back pain while on holiday in Turkey last year, Rennie was admitted to Northern General Hospital in October.
He told the BBC: “I thought I had just slept funny on a sun lounger, I was hoping to go paragliding but because of my backache I couldn’t go.
“By the end of the holiday I couldn’t sleep a wink from the pain, and by the time I got home I could barely walk.
“I spent a month laid on my back and another four months sitting in bed.
“They kept me in hospital until February, they found a nodule pushing on my spine and it was a rare neurological condition so it’s not something they can operate on.
“I have had to learn to move all over again, I’m retraining my legs.”
He continued: “It was strange – I went from running around the city to in essence being in traction for such a long time.
“I didn’t have any previous back problems but quite suddenly I wasn’t able to move and was in a spinal unit.”
Having been a magistrate in Sheffield since 1996 and campaigned for issues such as improving equality and inclusion in sport, Rennie was on the verge of starting a new role as Sheffield Hallam University chancellor when he first went into hospital.
He later spent much of his time in physiotherapy and completing movement exercises at his home.
Describing his state of movement a few months ago, he said: “I can move my feet and I can stand with a frame attached to my wheelchair but I need to work on my glutes.
“I rock around in my chair doing my exercises, I’m a very good, compliant patient.
“It has been frustrating but family and friends have been invaluable, the hospital was absolutely superb and the university has been exceptional.”
Rennie made history in 1997 when he became the Premier League‘s first black referee, officiating a match between Derby County and Wimbledon.
An FA statement read: “The FA Refereeing Department is saddened to hear of the passing of former FIFA and Premier League referee, Uriah Rennie.
“Uriah will forever be remembered as a true trailblazer of the game. Our thoughts are with Uriah’s family and friends at this time.”
Tributes to Rennie have been pouring in, with Sheffield United posting on social media: “Sheffield United are saddened to learn of the passing of popular and trailblazing referee Uriah Rennie. Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this time.”
And ex-Premier League striker Stan Collymore said: “Incredibly sad to hear of the passing of referee Uriah Rennie.
“A pioneer, trailblazer and a bloody good ref. Rest in peace, Ref.”
The Sheffield FA also paid tribute to Rennie, saying: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former Chair and trailblazing referee, Uriah Rennie.
“Uriah made history as the Premier League’s first Black referee, officiating over 300 top-flight matches between 1997 and 2008.
“He broke down barriers, shaped our football community and inspired generations to come.
“Our thoughts are with Uriah’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
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