50th anniversary of first black player to appear in FA Cup Final
Today the PFA joins forces with The FA and the Football Unites, Racism Divides project in Sheffield for a special reception at the National Football Museum in Manchester to commemorate Albert Johanneson, the first black player to appear in an FA Cup Final, 50 years ago this month.
50 years after Albert Jonanneson made history in the FA Cup Final, his commemorative memorabilia will be donated to the National Football Museum by his family today.
Albert’s daughter Yvonne, and granddaughters Samantha and Stephanie, will present the museum with his runners’ up medal which he won when he played for Leeds United when they faced Liverpool in 1965.
PFA Chief Executive Gordon Taylor OBE presents Albert’s daughter and granddaughter with a commemorative gift marking their visit to the UK.
The family, flown in specially by The FA from Atlanta Georgia in the USA, will travel to Wembley tomorrow before attending the FA Cup Final as special guests on Saturday when Arsenal take on Aston Villa.
Albert Johanneson was a pioneer of football, he was the first black footballer to play in the FA Cup final. He is acknowledged by many as having helped pave the way for professional black footballers, particularly those with South African roots.
Today’s event will see representation from professional clubs and campaign groups alike, many who have followed Albert’s story, as well as the launch of a specially commissioned comic, ‘Hurry Hurry Albert’, which charts his younger days growing up in Apartheid south Africa.
Johanneson suffered racial abuse as a player, particularly from opposition fans during an era when racial discrimination was common.
The skilful left winger and joined Leeds United in 1961 after leaving apartheid South Africa for England. He was one of legendary Don Revie’s first signings and went on to make 200 appearances for the Yorkshire club and scored 68 goals. He also helped the club to promotion to the First Division in 1964.
After retiring from football Albert Johanneson suffered serious alcoholism and passed away aged 55.
Other items on show today include a tankard, which was used in celebration after winning the First Division during the 1968/69 season, an FA Cup Final celebration banquet menu as well as fan mail sent to Albert by a Swindon Town fan after he impressed during a performance for Leeds against Swindon.
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