Veteran stars give racism talk at Northumberland College

Posted by The Journal on Feb 24, 09 09:46 AM in News

Two veteran North East football stars spoke of their personal experiences of racism yesterday as a long-running campaign to promote equality was taken into a Northumberland college.

Former Sunderland defender Gary Bennett and ex-Newcastle United full-back John Anderson were in Ashington to talk to students as part of their support for the Show Racism the Red Card charity.

Both are now match commentators with BBC Radio Newcastle but played during the 1980s and early 90s, when they were subjected to racist abuse both on and off the field.

Meeting students and staff at the Northumberland College campus John, who used to play for the Republic of Ireland national side, said he suffered anti-Irish taunts from football fans.

Gary was one of the first black footballers to play for Sunderland, at a time when racism was still rife in the game.

Students and staff watched a video presentation by Show Racism the Red Card and there was a series of promotional stands for organisations Hope Not Hate, the TUC and Unison.

Activities also included a performance by a group of local musicians promoting positive messages about equality and diversity.

John McCormack, a teaching union representative at the college, said: "We believe we are one of the first colleges in the country to run such an event.

"Northumberland College places a very high priority on promoting an inclusive environment and this was an extremely positive day with a very clear pro-equality message.''

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