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Sporting Witness: Joe Gaetjens - The Footballer Who Disappeared

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22/03/2014

Joe Gaetjens - The Footballer Who Disappeared

BBC World Service - Sporting Witness, Joe Gaetjens - The Footballer Who Disappeared

He scored a goal for the US and upon his return to Haiti was taken by the secret police

The footballer who scored a goal for his adopted country the US and - on his return to Haiti - was taken by Papa Doc Duvalier's secret police and never seen again.

In 1950, the US won a famous victory over England at the World Cup in Brazil. The only goal was scored by a Haitian, Joe Gaetjens, playing for his adopted country. After the tournament, he returned to Haiti - only to be taken away by Papa Doc Duvalier's secret police and never seen again. Joe Gaetjens' son, Lesly, talks to Sporting Witness. PHOTO: AP

This edition of Witness is a Whistledown Production for the BBC World Service.

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