Red carded - Pupils hear pioneering footballers give racism the boot

Published: 21 January, 2011

ARSENAL hosted a “Show Racism the Red Card” day for schoolchildren at the Emirates Stadium last week.

About 120 pupils spent a day at the stadium where they heard inspirational tales from pioneering black players Brendon Batson, Luther Blissett and Bobby Barnes. Mr Batson, the first black Arsenal player, made his debut in 1971.

Comic Ava Vidal, actor Tracy Wilkinson and poet Elljay entertained the pupils.

Pictured: Luther Blissett, Ava Vidal, Tracy Wilkinson, Brendon Batson, Bobby Barnes and Show Racism the Red Card coach Paul Mortimer with three of the pupils who visited the stadium.