Brian Clough used to tell Nottingham Forest great Viv Anderson “don’t let these people dictate to you” when he was on the receiving end of disgusting racist abuse as a player.
Sadly, it is a quote which is still relevant today.
Monday night saw England’s Euro 2020 qualifier away to Bulgaria, in Sofia, halted twice in the first half as Three Lions players were subjected to vile racist chanting from the home fans.
As per Uefa protocol, Gareth Southgate’s side had the option to walk off the pitch. But Tyrone Mings - one of the players the abuse was aimed at - said a collective decision was made to see out the game, which England won 6-0.
And the Aston Villa defender made clear afterwards that he would not let what happened overshadow the pride which came with making his debut for his country.
“Everyone was aware of it but we ultimately let our football do the talking and didn’t get distracted by anything,” said Mings.
Clough’s words to Anderson once again spring to mind.
The former Reds defender’s recollections were made in an interview with the Telegraph, back in May.
Anderson was asked if black players would have considered walking off back in his playing days.
“If I did that, no one would touch me with a barge pole,” was his reply.
Anderson was the first black player to represent England in a full international, back in 1978.
Society has come a long way since then, but Monday night demonstrated there is still a long way to go - and that applies on these shores too.
Anderson said of the abuse which happens in this country: “If it gets worse, will you get the good players coming to England? We pay the most money here but….”
