Ulia Rennie, who made history as the first black referee in the Premier League, has passed away at the age of 65, as reported by the Sheffield and Harrowshire County Football Association on Sunday.
Born in Sheffield to Jamaican parents, Rennie took the field in 1997 for matches between Derby County and Wimbledon, marking a significant milestone.
Over his career, he officiated in more than 300 matches, including 175 at England’s highest level.
His passing prompted an emotional statement from the association, which expressed deep sadness and offered condolences to Rennie’s family and friends.
Rennie retired in 2008, and it would be 15 years before another black official, Sam Allison, would referee a Premier League game, recently overseeing a match between Sheffield United and Luton Town in 2023.
In April, Rennie shared with the BBC that he was relearning to walk after becoming paralyzed from the waist down due to a rare condition.
Former England and Liverpool player Stan Collymore mourned Rennie’s passing on social media, highlighting his contributions to the game.
“It’s truly heartbreaking to hear about the passing of Ulia Rennie—a groundbreaking and significant figure in refereeing,” he noted.
Fan Take: Ulia Rennie’s legacy as a trailblazer in officiating is vital for soccer fans, as it underscores the importance of diversity in the sport. His influence may inspire future generations of referees, enhancing the representation and integrity of the game at all levels.
