Tributes to 'proud Sheffielder' and referee Rennie
Trailblazing former Premier League referee Uriah Rennie has been described as a "proud Sheffielder" who will be sadly missed in his adopted hometown.
Rennie was the top flight's first black referee and took charge of more than 300 matches between between 1997 and 2008.
Outside of football he worked as a magistrate and, last month, took up the role of chancellor of Sheffield Hallam University.
Rennie's partner, Jayne, and his older brother, Glenroy, said he would be "so very sadly missed", following his death aged 65.
In a statement, they said: "Our family have appreciated all the support from the nursing teams from Northern General and Weston Park Hospitals, plus close family and friends during the past few weeks at such a difficult time."
His family said he had been "privately battling a recent cancer diagnosis" prior to his death.
Born in Jamaica, Rennie moved to Sheffield as a child. In April he revealed he was learning to walk again after a rare condition left him paralysed from the waist down.
Former sports minister Richard Caborn said Sheffield had "lost one of its favourite sons".
Speaking to BBC Radio Sheffield, Caborn, a former MP for Sheffield Central, said: "He was born in Jamaica but he was adopted by this city and adopted by the great sport of football.
"I was with him a couple of weeks ago at Weston Park Hospital and he was really on great form, so last night when I received the news it was really, really sad news because we thought he was on the mend."
Caborn said he had been "really, really proud" to have been appointed the new chancellor of Sheffield Hallam University.
The university's vice chancellor, Liz Mossop, said Rennie had been a "trailblazer for inclusion in sport", as well as a "man of great integrity with a fierce commitment to equity and inclusion".
She added: "On behalf of the entire University community I want to express our shock and sadness at the news of Uri's death.
"Uri had only just begun his role as the University's Chancellor, but even in this short time he had already made a profound impact, challenging us to be bolder in our ambitions and how we should truly live our values. We were greatly looking forward to working with him."
"Uri was a proud Sheffielder and family man, deeply committed to the city and to helping people from resilient communities to achieve their potential."
South Yorkshire mayor Oliver Coppard offered his condolences to Rennie's family and "many, many friends".
"He broke down barriers and lifted others up," Coppard said.
"As well as his work in football, he campaigned to promote inclusion in sport and worked as a magistrate in Sheffield. May his memory be a blessing."
Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
First black Premier League referee Rennie dies aged 65
Uriah Rennie installed as university chancellor
'I was a Premier League referee, but now I'm learning to walk again'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
🎥 Remembering when Arsenal sealed the PL title at Old Trafford
🎥 Remembering when Arsenal sealed the PL title at Old Trafford With the 2025/26 Premier League fixtures announced earlier this week, it's worth remembering that Manchester United vs Arsenal remains one of the standout games on the calendar. In fact, Mikel Arteta's side will open their account at Old Trafford on August 17, and while the trip comes early in the campaign, it's a ground where Arsenal have previously won the Premier League. Advertisement In May 2002, Frenchman Sylvain Wiltord scored the only goal in a 1-0 win over the Red Devils to seal the 2001/02 league title - a season in which Arsenal completed the domestic double, having won the FA Cup just days earlier. A mistake from United's Mikaël Silvestre allowed Wiltord to collect the ball in midfield. Arsenal's No.11 then picked out Freddie Ljungberg with an exquisite pass, before firing home the rebound after his teammate's initial effort was saved by United goalkeeper Fabien Barthez It was a decisive goal at a crucial moment for the Gunners, who secured the title that day before lifting the trophy a week later at Highbury following a win over Everton. Advertisement Can Arteta's side write their own history next season? 📸 PAUL BARKER
New York Times
3 hours ago
- New York Times
John Stones committed to Manchester City: ‘I want to stay here, I love it'
John Stones has committed his future to Manchester City after admitting he questioned whether there was a way back from some 'dark days' during an injury-ravaged season. The England international defender is into his tenth season at Manchester City but foot and hamstring injuries plagued him last season. Advertisement It limited him to only 13 starts in all competitions and the influx of new defenders in the last two transfer windows led to speculation as to whether he could be allowed to leave before his contract expires next summer. 'I'm here, I want to stay here, I love it,' Stones said. 'I'm here to help the team. I don't know what's been said or speculated, but I hope that kind of shuts it down.' Stones made several comebacks last season but each time his body broke down. The last time he made an appearance was in February when he started the second-leg of the Champions League play-off match against Real Madrid but only lasted eight minutes before going down again. 'There's been points where you think, you've been giving all this effort, you dedicate all your life, especially how I approach or go about my life, and football, I give everything, on and off the pitch to be here or be ready to play games and those are the dark days,' he said. 'I think everyone's been through them and think, 'Why is this happening?'. You wish it would go a different path, but like I said, it's self-doubt, there's a lot of things 'All of us have been through different upbringings and challenges through life and what did we do within those situations, was it fight or was it give up? I was a fighter from a young age, in difficult moments, you have to look at the bigger picture and realise what are your morals, what you believe in, and fight to make it worthwhile.' Stones turned 31 last month and is now one of the most senior players with 277 appearances for the club. He is an experienced international player but he found the difficulty of diagnosing and treating his injury problems mentally challenging. 'I don't know what the reason was and we've sat with the medical staff, sports science, to try and figure out why,' he said. 'Some things can't be explained, which is even more testing mentally when there's not really an answer. Advertisement 'I've been unlucky with some of the injuries that I've had, they were very rare last season, after speaking to specialists. Sometimes I think, why has it happened to me? But I've got to deal with that and move forward and try to adapt with how my body's adapting. 'I think we all self-doubt as players and feel things and we want to get back as quick as possible. 'Maybe that's a downfall sometimes that you try to push too soon. Definitely family, I think that's my biggest thing, being around them and having their support. You can feel very lonely at times when you're training by yourself and that's the difficult part of it, being in a team sport, not training with the team when you run out of the pitch in your rehab. 'So a lot of things that you've got to get used to and deal with and try and set yourself goals to come back and it's been a challenge. I am over that hurdle.' City have signed Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis, adding to a central defensive group that includes Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake. Some players and managers have complained about the expanded Club World Cup adding more games to an already packed calendar but Stones is viewing it as an opportunity to re-assert himself. 'I feel great, I'm back fit, ready to help the team when called upon. I think this season I've got to look more detailed into training, things that I can do off the pitch that I can sustain playing a lot more games. 'It's difficult when you're injured, you almost work longer and more, so from that aspect I know the guys mentally and physically have had such a long season. 'I suppose mentally for me it's been difficult dealing with the injuries and the process, but now I've put that behind me and used this as a mini introduction back into before the new season and another trophy for us to hopefully win and get some game time.'
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
Mikel Arteta Targets Brentford Midfielder with Partey Future Unclear
Arsenal Eye Norgaard Amid Midfield Rebuild Experience and Stability in Norgaard's Locker As Arsenal prepare for another title push under Mikel Arteta, midfield reinforcements are top of the summer agenda. According to The Mirror, Brentford captain Christian Norgaard is being considered as a potential addition. The 31-year-old Danish international has two years remaining on his contract with the Bees, yet could be tempted by one final big move. Advertisement Norgaard's reliability and discipline have made him a cornerstone of Brentford's Premier League rise. Since arriving in 2019, he has embodied consistency, featuring 34 times last season and guiding the club to five consecutive top-flight campaigns. His leadership has become even more crucial after head coach Thomas Frank's departure to Tottenham Hotspur. Photo: IMAGO With Brentford reportedly open to negotiations if Norgaard seeks a new challenge, Arsenal could benefit from his experience and calm presence in a position that looks increasingly vulnerable. Changes in Arsenal's Engine Room Jorginho's move to Flamengo and Thomas Partey's expiring contract signal a major reshuffle in Arsenal's holding midfield area. Partey 'played 52 times in all competitions under Mikel Arteta last season' but is yet to commit to a new deal. If he leaves, the Gunners will lack depth in a crucial role. Advertisement While Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad appears close to joining, Arsenal will still require someone with Premier League know-how. Norgaard offers that in abundance, along with a defensive discipline that can help maintain structure when games get chaotic. Bees at a Crossroads With Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa also attracting interest, Brentford could face a summer of tough decisions. Letting Norgaard go for a reduced fee might make sense if his heart is set on one final challenge. But losing their captain would be more than a financial calculation. It risks stripping away the leadership that's anchored their midfield through promotion and stability. Arteta's Need for Leadership Mikel Arteta has built a young, dynamic side, but with that comes a need for experienced heads. Norgaard, still operating at a high level, fits that mould. Arsenal may have eyes on long-term talent, but winning now requires players who can guide others through adversity. Norgaard could be that presence. Our View – EPL Index This sort of move makes perfect sense. Christian Norgaard might not grab headlines like Declan Rice or Martin Ødegaard, but he's the type of player title-winning sides depend on. We saw it with Milner at Liverpool, Fernandinho at City. These guys set standards in training, protect leads when others lose their heads and make smart decisions when it matters most. Advertisement With Partey likely leaving and Jorginho already gone, we absolutely need a no-nonsense holding midfielder who knows this league. Norgaard isn't just a tackler, he reads the game brilliantly and keeps things ticking over. He's played a key role in keeping Brentford competitive every year, and his leadership will be huge if we want to get over the line in big games. Some fans may scoff at his age, but this is about balance. You can't throw 20-year-olds into every battle. If we're serious about winning silverware, we need depth and experience. And if the price is right, it's a no-brainer. Zubimendi can be the future, but Norgaard could be the difference-maker next May.
