Sometimes, in football, the people who make the biggest impact aren’t the ones scoring goals or lifting trophies—but those who lead with integrity and leave a mark behind the scenes.
That’s exactly who Uriah Rennie was to me and to so many others in the world of football.
A Presence You Couldn’t Miss
When I first stepped into the Premier League, Uriah was already making waves—not just because of his skill with the whistle, but because of his striking presence.
He was tall, strong, and in incredible shape, thanks in part to his background in martial arts.
Fitness tests? Never a problem for him.
But what really made him stand out was that he was the first black referee to officiate in the Premier League.
It was a historic achievement, one that could have brought extra pressure.
But Uriah handled it with grace.
He never asked for special attention or used his position for leverage—he just got on with the job like any other referee.
And by doing that, he helped pave the way for more diversity in refereeing.
A Quiet Leader Who Earned Respect
Among fellow referees, Uriah was incredibly well-liked.
He didn’t speak often, but when he did, everyone paid attention.
I always saw him as a gentle giant—calm, wise, and honest.
He gave me advice early in my career and was always there with the truth, even when it wasn’t easy.
I remember a game at Manchester City where I was the fourth official and spotted something during the match.
I passed it on to Uriah, but he chose not to act.
The following week in our debrief, instead of brushing it under the rug, he told the group straight up: “Mark told me, but I made the decision not to act.” That honesty was rare, and it stuck with me.
Players Trusted Him—and Liked Him
One of the things I really admired about Uriah was the way he managed games.
He had a calm authority about him.
He spoke to players respectfully, and they gave him that respect right back.
He wasn’t looking to be the star of the show; he simply wanted to do his job well and fairly.
Even outside the Premier League, Uriah made a name for himself in international football.
He was known not just for being a trailblazer, but also for his physical stature and calm demeanor.
A Sense of Humor That Surprised You
Despite his serious presence on the pitch, Uriah had a playful side too.
I still laugh when I think about one match at Elland Road.
I was his fourth official, and just as we were heading out of the dressing room, he jokingly gave me a playful hit between the legs.
I couldn’t breathe for ten minutes! We were all cracking up, and the looks we got from people said it all.
He definitely knew how to lighten the mood.
A Friendship That Endured
The last time I saw Uriah was after he’d retired.
He invited me to his home in Sheffield and we spent the day reminiscing, laughing about the past.
Even after we went our separate ways professionally, we kept in touch—regular messages over WhatsApp, little check-ins now and then.
I knew he’d been dealing with health issues, but the news of his passing still came as a real shock.
A Legacy That Will Never Be Forgotten
Losing Uriah at 65 feels far too soon. He wasn’t just a respected official—he was a truly unique presence in the game.
A trailblazer, a role model, and a friend. Football has lost one of its quiet heroes. I’m just grateful I got to know him.