The football world is mourning the loss of a true trailblazer. Uriah Rennie, the Premier Leagues first Black referee and a giant in the officiating community, has passed away at the age of 65. His story is not only one of sporting excellence, but of breaking barriers, standing tall in the face of adversity, and inspiring generations of referees who followed in his footsteps. Born in Jamaica and raised in Sheffield from the age of six, Rennie began his refereeing journey in local leagues in 1979. His talent and determination quickly shone through, earning him promotion to the Football League in 1994, and just three years later, in August 1997, he made history by becoming the first Black official to take charge of a Premier League match. It was a moment that changed English football, not only for who was holding the whistle, but for what it represented. Across a distinguished career, Rennie officiated over 300 professional matches, 175 of those in the Premier League. Known for his exceptional fitness, he practiced martial arts, kickboxing, and aikido, setting new standards for physical conditioning among referees. One of his most memorable moments came in 2002, when he calmly defused a heated confrontation between Roy Keane and Jason McAteer, an example of his calm authority under pressure. Yet his influence extended far beyond the pitch. Rennie served as a Sheffield magistrate from 1996, earned an MBA, received an honorary doctorate, and in May 2025, became Chancellor of Sheffield Hallam University. Through every chapter, he exemplified discipline, leadership, and resilience. In 2024, tragedy struck while on holiday in Turkey. Uriah was diagnosed with a rare, inoperable neurological condition that left him paralysed from the waist down. Even then, his spirit remained unshaken. He dedicated himself to intensive rehabilitation, determined to walk again. That same resolve carried him until his passing on 7 June 2025. Tributes have poured in from across the game, the FA, Kick It Out, Sheffield United, Sheffield Wednesday, and PGMOL among many others, each recognising the extraordinary character, professionalism, and example Uriah Rennie set. His presence wasnt just powerful, it was pioneering. At Ref-Vision, we exist to support and empower referees, to give them the tools to grow, learn, and thrive at every level of the game. Everything we stand for was embodied by Uriah Rennie. He didnt just officiate matches, he changed the game. He raised the bar for fitness, professionalism, and visibility. He opened doors that many didnt even realise were closed. He stood tall in spaces where he was often the only one who looked like him, and he did so with dignity, humility, and grace. Uriah taught us that refereeing is about far more than enforcing rules, its about courage, integrity, presence, and passion. We will continue to honour his legacy by championing diversity, mentorship, and the ongoing development of match officials across the country. His journey built a bridge. And the next generation of referees will walk across it, stronger and more confident, because Uriah Rennie led the way. Rest in peace, Uriah. You were, and always will be, a true inspiration. The Ref-Vision Team