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Sporting Witness: Viv Anderson - first black England footballer

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Viv Anderson - first black England footballer

22/10/2020 GMT

BBC World Service - Sporting Witness, Viv Anderson - first black England footballer

In November 1978, the defender became the first black Englishman to play for his country.

In November 1978, Viv Anderson became the first black footballer to play a full England international. The son of Jamaican immigrants, Anderson had to endure racial abuse from opposing fans to achieve his dream of reaching the very top of the professional game. He went on to win the European Cup twice with Nottingham Forest and to become Sir Alex Ferguson’s first signing at Manchester United. Viv Anderson talks to Rebecca Kesby.

PHOTO: Viv Anderson on his England debut (Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

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