News

Former Albion player inducted into football’s Hall of Fame

England’s first and only openly gay male professional footballer, the late Justin Fashanu, was today inducted into the National Football Museum’s Hall of Fame at a special ceremony on what would have been his 59th birthday.

By Alex Stedman • 19 February 2020

By Evening Argus
Justin Fashanu and Terry Connor played together at Albion.

The former Albion man’s niece Amal Fashanu, herself a high profile campaigner against homophobia in sport and co-founder of The Justin Fashanu Foundation, received the award on his behalf at the museum in Manchester in front of guests from the wider football and LGBT+ communities. 

Fashanu played for a variety of clubs during a lengthy 20-year professional football career, including the Seagulls from 1985 through to 1987, but was perhaps best known for his courageous decision to come out publicly in a tabloid interview with The Sun in October 1990. In the three decades since, there has yet to be another professional footballer to follow suit. 

He was also the first black footballer to command a £1million transfer fee with his move from Norwich City to Nottingham Forest in 1981, before continuing on to play for a total of 22 clubs in England, North America, Scotland and New Zealand.

By National Football Museum
Amal Fashanu receives the award on her Uncle's behalf at the museum in Manchester.

Brighton & Hove Albion Deputy Chairman and CEO Paul Barber said, “It is very hard to imagine the level of prejudice and oppression faced by Justin Fashanu throughout his life. His story is a tragic and upsetting one, but one which needs to be recounted because nobody should be forced to encounter what he went through. Sadly that is still the case today, here in the UK and across the world.  

“Justin’s legacy is that he will always be part of a positive movement which has and is changing attitudes towards the LGBTQ community and making the world a more tolerant place to live. It’s something Justin’s family can take great pride from — particularly his niece Amal, who has long strived to tell her uncle’s story and keep alive that legacy.”  

Founder of Brighton & Hove LGBT fan club Proud Seagulls, Stuart Matthews said, “We’re ecstatic and overjoyed that after all this time, rightly, Justin Fashanu is being honoured and inducted into the National Football Museum’s Hall of Fame. Justin played for the Albion in 1985, when unfortunately a knee injury looked to have finished his career. He went on to have surgery in America. Even though he was at Brighton for a brief spell, he is fondly remembered by those who saw him play. 

“His induction into the Hall of Fame will send out a very clear message not just to the LGBT community, but to the wider football world. It’s an honour and privilege that staff from Brighton & Hove Albion and Proud Seagulls are present to see the induction, on the day of his birthday.”

By National Football Museum
Amal Fashanu speaking at the induction ceremony.

Speaking of her uncle, Amal Fashanu said, “Today would have been Uncle Justin’s 59th birthday and what a way to celebrate it on his behalf. One of my favourite memories of Uncle Justin was his playful, cheeky character. 

“He was so fun to be around and he would have been the life and soul of this event. Justin Fashanu was talented, smart, well-loved and charming. It warms my heart to witness his legacy being honoured more than 21 years after his untimely passing. 

“It’s unfortunate that we are still discussing discrimination in football in 2020 and it’s because of this harsh reality that we decided to create a platform in his name to tackle homophobia, racism and mental health within the game. The Justin Fashanu Foundation would like to thank The National Football Museum and all stakeholders involved who came together to honour my Uncle Justin.”

Fashanu’s induction coincides with the launch of the National Football Museum’s LGBT+ Tour. The tour which has been developed with a group of LGBT+ volunteers features objects from the museum’s collection which tell the story of LGBT+ history within the context of football. 

National Football Museum CEO Tim Desmond said, “We’re delighted to present this award to Amal Fashanu on behalf of Justin and The Justin Fashanu Foundation.   The National Football Museum Hall of Fame aims to recognise a wide diversity of individuals who’ve made an outstanding contribution to the game. Justin was a pioneer on many levels and with this award we acknowledge not only Justin’s legacy but also the importance of the LGBT+ community within football. “

Fashanu endured significant discrimination and prejudice throughout his playing career and is widely considered a hero of the LGBT community for his courage to come forward. 

The Hall of Fame, supported by the Professional Footballers’ Association, celebrates the achievements of those who have made an outstanding contribution to the game, either on or off the pitch.