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Viv Anderson - first black England footballer

In November 1978, the defender became the first black Englishman to play for his country.

In November 1978, Viv Anderson became the first black footballer to play a full England international. The son of Jamaican immigrants, Anderson had to endure racial abuse from opposing fans to achieve his dream of reaching the very top of the professional game. He went on to win the European Cup twice with Nottingham Forest and to become Sir Alex Ferguson’s first signing at Manchester United. Viv Anderson talks to Rebecca Kesby.

PHOTO: Viv Anderson on his England debut (Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

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  • Thu 22 Oct 202009:50GMT
  • Thu 22 Oct 202023:50GMT
  • Mon 26 Oct 202003:50GMT

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