The footballer setting record straight after 46 years
Summary
Roly Gregoire, Sunderland's first black football player, has spoken for the first time about the racist abuse he faced after his debut match in 1978. His career was cut short by injury two years later, and the pain from the discrimination made him avoid football and change his name for many years.Key Facts
- Roly Gregoire debuted for Sunderland's first team on January 2, 1978, at age 19.
- He assisted a goal in a 2-0 win against Hull City during his first game.
- After the match, Gregoire and his family were subjected to racist abuse, including an attack on his brothers.
- The abuse made him unable to enjoy football and eventually led to early career retirement due to injury.
- Gregoire was born in Liverpool to Caribbean parents and grew up in Bradford.
- Sunderland had very few black residents and football clubs had low numbers of black players during the 1970s.
- Gregoire had previously played for Halifax Town before joining Sunderland for a £5,000 fee.
- He has avoided discussing his experiences publicly for 46 years until now.
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