Howard Gayle has revealed via Facebook that he has turned down the chance to receive an MBE award from the Queen because he believes it would be “a betrayal to all the Africans who have died”.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/howard.gayle.7/posts/1020…
The attacker became the first black player to play for Liverpool when he made his debut in the 1980-81 season, scoring once in four appearances. He earned a European Cup winner’s medal that same season, remaining on the bench as The Reds beat Real Madrid in the Paris final.
Talking to This is Anfield about his status as Liverpool’s first black player, the Toxteth-born forward said: “It was a landmark as far as black people were concerned, and I was proud to represent the black community of Liverpool.”
Since retirement, Gayle has been involved in charity work and has represented Show Racism the Red Card, earning him praise and a nomination to become a Member of the British Empire, an award given by the Queen for service to the community.
Writing on his Facebook profile, the 58-year-old said: “Most of you who are on my Facebook page are aware of the work that I do tackling racism and the work I do for Show Racism A Red Card. And for that work yesterday I was nominated for a MBE.
“Unfortunately I had to decline the nomination for the reason that my ancestors would be turning in their graves after how the Empire and Colonialism had enslaved them.
“I feel that It would be a betrayal to all of the Africans who have lost their lives, or who have suffered as a result of the Empire.”
