On Wednesday, the first openly gay English professional footballer, Justin Fashanu, will enter the Hall of Fame and will be among the greatest football glories in England. This date marks the 59th birthday of the attacker who committed suicide by hanging eight years after his confession, badly received in particular by his brother John who had qualified Justin of "pariah" in his family, affirming that he wanted only " get noticed".
Proud to be inducting Justin Fashanu into the #NFMHallOfFame this morning. ️ Follow the ceremony, including our new LGBT + Tour, over on our Instagram story.https: //t.co/roTRWdnVdTpic.twitter.com/1uyE9ZNoDS
- Nat. Football Museum (@FootballMuseum) February 19, 2020Justin Fashanu had had a very promising career start, his performances with Norwich - including a goal against Liverpool who had been elected goal of the 1979/80 season - had earned him a transfer to a million pounds to Nottingham Forest, a sum then new for a player of color. However, he never had the confidence of the very demanding Brian Clough in Forest and he very often changed his jerseys afterwards.
Justin Fashanu, England's first and only openly gay male professional footballer, will be inducted into the #NFMHallOfFame tomorrow in a ceremony honoring his career, life and legacy. ️ https://t.co/jk28ZJDK3Kpic.twitter.com/oCoRDROrHn
- Nat. Football Museum (@FootballMuseum) February 18, 2020It is his niece Amal, the daughter of John, who was nine years old at the time of the suicide of his uncle, who will receive this honor in his name. Journalist, she works - alongside her father who has made amends on his past positions - the Justin Fashanu Foundation which fights against all types of discrimination in football. "Wow, he's finally getting the recognition he deserves," said Amal Fashanu in the Daily Mirror . "People tend to forget how talented he was because he was gay (...) This is an important gesture and a big step forward because they finally recognize him on a whole new level", she added.
An unfortunate coincidence, the honor given to Justin Fashanu comes as a group of Manchester United supporters were exposed for singing homophobic songs during the match at Chelsea on Monday. Manchester United published a scathing statement recalling that "these songs are contrary to (its) values", before adding: "We were the first club to engage in the TeamPride Coalition (initiative of the group fighting against homophobia Stonewall to combat discrimination against players or supporters in sport) and we will continue to work with Stonewall and other anti-discrimination organizations. ”
Read also
- Spectator's LGBT flag banned during a Catalan Dragons match