50 Years Ago Today Albert Johanneson Made History

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May 1 2015 marks 50 years since our first appearance in an FA Cup final, a day at Wembley which proved to be historic for more than one reason.

Starting on the left-wing for Leeds United was 25-year-old South African Albert Johanneson, who broke new ground for football as he became the first black player to feature in the competition’s prestigious final.

- See more at: www.leedsunited.com/news/article/8ovpmhxegkqm1nrnovbo922n9/title/on-this-day-albert-makes-history#sthash.8Q5g5I5B.dpuf
www.leedsunited.com/news/article/8ovpmhxegkqm1nrnovbo922n9/title/on-this-day-albert-makes-history

[Newark Colin]

I remember reading about his life after football. Heartbreaking.

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It is a fascinating story, I had heard of Johanneson when I was growing up, but had not appreciated what he had achieved and the obstacles he faced. His post football career was indeed tragic, I had to find the following article to educate me on that. A true pioneer and it sounds like he was a very talented footballer too.

www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/features/video-black-flash-sad-story-of-pioneering-black-leeds-footballer-albert-johanneson-1-4663413

[Newark Colin]

That story about the restaurant, I know times are different now, but how can people have acted like that to fellow human beings?

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I know, it makes you very sad :-(

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Unfortunately similar things are still happening in the 21st century, even in football we have the banana-throwers, monkey-chanters, racist songs etc. Beggars belief!

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I saw him play when I was a lad on a few occasions, a good left winger. Being so young I had no idea of the problems he faced. It would never of occurred to me as I grew up with Jamaican kids in Wolverhampton.

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Yay a speaks up...

www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/32715754