Standing at 6ft 2in and weighing in at a formidable 16 stone, martial arts black belt Rennie is not a man to be messed with.

Yet the football authorities seem determined to hold in check a man who has as many detractors as he has admirers.

Rennie was an imposing figure when he burst on to the Football League scene in 1997.

Leisure centre manager Rennie proved as fit as the players.

He drew admiration for his ability to keep up with the pace of the game, and his determination to enforce the rules.

A serving magistrate in Sheffield, Rennie was seen as an ideal role model for potential referees from the afro-caribbean community.

But his detractors accused him of a self-publicising desire to be the centre of attention, branding him a show-pony.

Rennie made powerful enemies at the Football Association, resulting in his demotion from the Premiership list in 2000.

While Rennie was forced to officiate in the Nationwide League the FA's failure to notify Fifa of his demotion meant he was still appointed to take charge of internatonal matches.

After two seasons officiating in the Nationwide League, Rennie was reinstated to the Premiership list for the start of this season.

But now he faces the prospect of demotion again after being accused of manhandling Roy Keane.