Community helps shape art tribute to Uriah Rennie
A community consultation is helping artist Nicole White shape a public artwork honouring Uriah Rennie, the Premier League’s first black referee. The project aims to reflect his influence in Sheffield, including his work supporting equality, inclusion and local communities.
Rennie made his Premier League debut in 1997 and refereed more than 300 top-flight matches over a career spanning two decades. He died aged 65 in June 2025 after being diagnosed with cancer. The finished artwork is planned for the Uriah Rennie Leisure Centre in Arbourthorne, which is due to open by autumn 2028.
In short
- Sheffield residents are helping shape an artwork honouring Uriah Rennie.
- Rennie was the Premier League’s first black referee.
- The artwork is planned for a leisure centre due in 2028.
Explained simply
Uriah Rennie was a football referee from Sheffield and the first black referee to officiate in the Premier League. He made his top-flight debut in 1997 and went on to referee more than 300 Premier League matches over a career of about 20 years.
Rennie was also known in Sheffield for supporting equality, inclusion and local communities. After his death in 2025, artist Nicole White began developing a public artwork to honour his life and influence, with local people helping to shape the design.
The artwork is planned for the Uriah Rennie Leisure Centre in Arbourthorne, which is expected to open by autumn 2028. It will connect his sporting career with his wider place in the community.
Art Culture Football Sheffield Sport