Notts County have paid tribute to Justin Fashanu after their former striker was inducted into the Hall of Fame at the National Football Museum.
Representatives from the Magpies, and Nottingham Forest for whom Fashanu also played, travelled to Manchester to honour the forward who was football’s first openly gay player.
Fashanu is regarded as a trailblazer for the way he addressed his sexuality but sadly took his own life in 1998, aged 37.
But his courage was recognised on what would have been his 59th birthday in a special ceremony.
Notts’ fan engagement executive, Alice Kelk, who attended the induction, said Fashanu, who spent three years at Meadow Lane, was an inspiration.
“We’re delighted that the National Football Museum have decided to honour Justin in this way and we thank them for their invite to this very poignant event,” she said.
“The brave steps Justin took in coming out as gay during his playing career have yet to be matched by any other professional but we can only hope this recognition of his bravery will serve as encouragement to others, no matter their walk of life.
“As a club we are hugely committed to promoting diversity and inclusion, as evidenced at Saturday’s Football v Homophobia match against Woking and in our continued close working with our LGBT Pies supporters group.
“Having a role model like Justin among our former players serves as inspiration for us to continue our work in these areas as we look to make Meadow Lane - and football in general - safe and welcoming for all.”
Ste Grocock from the LGBT Pies added: “We see Justin’s induction into the Hall of Fame as a very positive step towards a more inclusive sport.
“While there is plenty of sadness in the story of his short life, it’s brilliant that the unprecedented steps he took are still having an impact on society today.
“I’m sure all who knew Justin, along with the entire LGBT community, are very proud of this news and will be raising a toast to him.”
