This native of Nottingham became the first black football player to represent England in a full international match. He made his senior debut against Czechoslovakia in 1978, at the age of 22. At the time, there were very few black footballers in a country notoriously crazy about the sport, and they faced a gauntlet of abuse from fans. Anderson consciously wore short sleeves because black players were thought to be unable to play in the cold. He went on to play 30 times for England and was a star with several prominent clubs in a career that spanned almost 20 years. In 2000, Anderson was awarded the Member of the Order of the British Empire for his historic sporting achievements.
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay in touch with True First. Hear about release dates, upcoming episodes and news from the set as production continues on this ground-breaking docudrama.
Viv Anderson
This native of Nottingham became the first black football player to represent England in a full international match. He made his senior debut against Czechoslovakia in 1978, at the age of 22. At the time, there were very few black footballers in a country notoriously crazy about the sport, and they faced a gauntlet of abuse from fans. Anderson consciously wore short sleeves because black players were thought to be unable to play in the cold. He went on to play 30 times for England and was a star with several prominent clubs in a career that spanned almost 20 years. In 2000, Anderson was awarded the Member of the Order of the British Empire for his historic sporting achievements.
Info
Related Episodes
Debi Thomas
READ MORE
Season SevenSir William Arthur Lewis
READ MORE
Season SevenToni Morrison
READ MORE
Season SevenBaroness Amos
READ MORE
Season SevenMiriam Makeba
READ MORE
Season SevenLord Learie Constantine
READ MORE
Season SevenW.E.B. Dubois
READ MORE
Season SevenNo Comments