Sometimes, in football, it’s not just the players who leave a lasting impression.
Referees, the ones who often fade into the background, can also shape the game and influence those around them.
One of those unforgettable figures was Uriah Rennie—a man who stood tall in more ways than one.
I first met Uriah when I entered the Premier League, and right away, you noticed him.
Not just because he was physically imposing—tall, built, always in shape thanks to his background in martial arts—but because of the calm authority he carried with him.
He never once struggled with the demanding fitness tests we all had to pass, and his presence on the pitch was simply commanding.
Breaking Barriers with Quiet Strength
Uriah was more than just a top-level referee—he was a pioneer.
He made history as the first black referee in England’s top flight, a milestone that undoubtedly came with added scrutiny.
But he handled it with such grace. He never played up that role for attention or sympathy.
To him, he was simply doing his job, just like the rest of us.
That said, there’s no question that his rise opened doors for future referees from ethnic minorities.
He showed what was possible through sheer talent, professionalism, and character.
A Mentor, a Leader, and a Gentleman
Within our group of referees, Uriah was incredibly well liked.
He wasn’t the loudest voice in the room—far from it—but when he did speak, everyone listened.
I always saw him as a gentle giant.
He gave me advice when I was starting out, and he never sugar-coated anything.
He was always honest and sincere.
I’ll never forget one game when I was serving as his fourth official at Manchester City.
I flagged something serious to him over the headset, but he made the call not to act on it.
The following week in our debrief, he didn’t hide behind the decision.
He stood up and told the group, “Mark told me about that.
I just chose not to act on it.” That kind of accountability is rare—and I respected him so much for it.
Earning Respect Without Demanding Attention
Uriah had a special way of controlling games.
It wasn’t about shouting or making it about himself.
It was how he spoke to the players—always with respect. And the players respected him right back.
He wasn’t flashy or looking to be the centre of attention, but everyone in the game knew who he was, and not just in England.
His presence was felt internationally as well.
A Sense of Humor Behind the Serious Face
For all his professionalism, Uriah also knew how to have a laugh.
One memory that sticks out—probably because it was physically unforgettable—is the time he playfully hit me between the legs as a joke just before we stepped out at Elland Road. I couldn’t speak for ten minutes.
We were laughing so hard as we walked out, even if some people gave us odd looks.
That was Uriah—he brought a human side to what could be a high-pressure job.
A Final Goodbye to a Friend
After he retired, it was easy to drift apart, but Uriah reached out.
I visited him at his home in Sheffield and we spent a relaxed afternoon reminiscing about our time together in the game. We stayed in touch over WhatsApp.
I knew his health wasn’t perfect, but when the news of his passing came, it was still a shock.
He was just 65. Way too young. It’s heartbreaking to lose someone who meant so much to the refereeing world and to me personally.
Uriah Rennie was one of a kind—a true trailblazer, a trusted friend, and a gentleman through and through.