The former match official - who was the Premier League's first Black referee - has been hailed a trailblazer by the Sheffield Football Association after they announced his passing at the age of 65 on Sunday.

The Sheffield FA said in a statement: "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."

Local club Sheffield United said they were "saddened to learn of the passing of popular and trailblazing referee Uriah Rennie," while their rivals, Sheffield Wednesday also paid tribute to the "pioneering" match official.

Uriah was born in Jamaica but moved to Sheffield as a child and grew up in the city. He officiated more than 300 games between 1997 and 2008, including 175 in the Premier League, beginning with Derby County v Wimbledon in August 1997.

After he retired, it took until December 2023 for another Black referee to take charge of a game in the English top-tier, with Sam Allison officiating Sheffield United vs Luton.

Uriah had revealed earlier this year he had been left paralysed from the waist down by a rare health condition.

However, he had recently become chancellor of Sheffield Hallam University, and pledged to use his position to help "open up opportunities to everyone".