The footballer setting record straight after 46 years
Roly Gregoire, Sunderland's first black player, has finally shared his painful experiences with racism after 46 years. His debut in 1978 was overshadowed by racial abuse that affected his career and personal life. Now 67, Gregoire reflects on the lasting impact of these experiences and the isolation he felt during his time at the club.
- ▪Roly Gregoire made his debut for Sunderland on January 2, 1978, but faced immediate racist abuse.
- ▪He felt so traumatized by the racism that he could not watch football for many years after his career ended.
- ▪Gregoire's mother never spoke of Sunderland again after his brothers were attacked while trying to visit him.
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Sport InsightThe footballer setting record straight after 46 yearsPublished33 minutes agoByJeff BrownWarning: This article contains details of racially offensive language and behaviour"I waited 46 years to break my silence, because I didn't think anyone would listen. I thought I'd take these stories to my maker."Rumour had it Roly Gregoire had become a bus driver, a milkman or even a DJ. But what really happened to Sunderland's first black player was too painful for him to talk about until now.His first-team debut for the club on 2 January 1978 should have been the proudest day of his life, but hours after the 19-year-old's assist in a 2-0 win over Hull City, the racist abuse started.By the time injury cut short his career two years later, he had faced so much racism that he could not…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at BBC Sport.
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