Black History Month exists for a reason. It gives everyone the opportunity to share, celebrate and understand the impact of black heritage and culture. In football terms, it gives us cause to reflect on the scourge of racism – a blight on the English game in the 1970s and 80s that, despite great progress and the tireless work of organisations such as Kick It Out, has never been eradicated completely – and also celebrate the contribution of so many Black players.
They stand tall in the history of Arsenal, from Brendon Batson, Raphael Meade and Chris Whyte through the greats of the George Graham and Arseu0300ne Wenger eras to the likes of Bukayo Saka, Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson, not to mention a host of young academy players making their way in the game.