Uriah Rennie, the first black referee in the Premier League, is undergoing rehabilitation after being paralyzed from the waist down due to a rare neurological condition discovered while on holiday. Known for his athleticism and history in officiating over 300 matches, Rennie experienced severe back pain that led to his hospitalization. His career included advocacy for equality in sports and mental health awareness. Despite the setbacks, he remains determined to regain his mobility while reflecting on his pioneering role in football officiating and plans for the future.
I spent a month laid on my back and another four months sitting in bed. They found a nodule pushing on my spine and it was a rare neurological condition.
Rennie made history in 1997 when he officiated a match between Derby County and Wimbledon, becoming the top division's first black referee.
I thought I had just slept funny on a sun lounger. By the end of the holiday, I couldn't sleep a wink from the pain.
It was strange - I went from running marathons to struggling just to move my legs.
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