In October, Black History Month, we paid tribute to our current and former black players (and a manager) who have made their indelible mark on the club.
From Keith Curle, to JK Gordon just last season, from Andy Preece, to Bob Delgado in the 1970’s, from Keith Walwyn in the late ‘80’s early ‘90’s to Karl Hawley and Chris Billy in that exciting 2000’s team.
There was Rod Thomas a decade earlier and the infamous Stephane Pounewatchy ’96-98. There was Joe Thompson who went on to fight much tougher battles in his life.
Current and recent young stars such as Terry Ablade, Josh Kayode, Omari Patrick, Jayden Harris, Tobi Sho-Silva and Aaron Hayden.
Who could hold a ball up like Jabo Ibhere? The silky skills of Francois Zoko and Vincent Pericard (that goal against Norwich in the fog!).
The ‘Roadrunner’ as ‘Degsy’ used to call him, Simon Hackney. Bastien Hery who set up that famous goal at Anfield in front of the Kop for Derek Asamoah.
With Reggie Lambe, Cleveland Taylor, Johann Smith, Joe Anyinsah, Tristan Abrahams and, of course David Amoo (Amooooooooooo!). Forgive us if we’ve missed anyone else.
These players have all helped us along the way, through the ups and downs of the journey we’ve been on as a club. They, along with every other player, have been important cogs in the Carlisle United wheel over the years, and will continue to be so in the future.
Whilst these players have graced the pitch at Brunton Park, their journeys haven’t always been easy. For those players in the 70’s and 80’s who had to suffer abuse from the terraces, it was often very much a case of ‘that’s just how it was’ and most had to suffer in silence.
Fast forward to 2023 and whilst there has been a steady tail-off of the more blatant forms of racism, we still find ourselves dealing with issues that should have been consigned to history, or should never have happened at all.
The added dimension to today’s society is the internet and its many positives and negatives. Whilst players of the past may have found sanctuary in their homes with their friends and family away from the football pitch, today’s society doesn’t sleep, and social media exists in a 24/7 world from which it is very difficult to escape.
Thankfully the recently adopted ‘Online Safety Act’ will aim to address issues ‘online’ as in the ‘real world’, so that people will have the ability to go online free from harassment and discrimination. See the link for more information on this: https://www.kickitout.org/news-media/what-difference-will-online-safety-act-make-football
As the diversity of the population in the Carlisle area increases, and the numbers of people from different communities, cultures and ethnicities steadily grow, it is hugely important now, more than ever before, for the city and the football club to embrace this changing picture.
Change isn’t always received well, some people are uneasy at the mere thought of change, but change is good, change is helpful, it allows us to learn and grow and embrace new things that make life better for everyone.
At Carlisle United we have been encouraging new supporters to come to the game as the city becomes ever more multicultural and the sight of faces of people of colour, LGBT+, different cultures and religions become more prevalent.
Brunton Park on a match day is a microcosm of the wider Carlisle and Cumbria society, and what better place to start than the football club at a time when not only the area make-up is changing, but the supporter base is shifting, and the club and its culture are about to take a giant leap forward in terms of social and cultural change. Which leads us to Black History Month.
So, what is Black History Month and when did it start?
In the UK, Black History Month happens every October and it allows people the opportunity to share, celebrate and understand the impact of black heritage and culture.
People from African and Caribbean backgrounds have been a fundamental part of British history for centuries. However, some feel that their contribution to society has often been overlooked or distorted through time.
Black History Month began in the USA and was the idea of Carter G Woodson, often known as the father of black history. He was born in Virginia in 1875 to former slaves and had limited access to education and job opportunities as a child. He saved some money from an early job as a coal miner and managed to be able to study at one of the very few high schools for black students, culminating in him achieving a PhD from Harvard University and becoming a Professor at Howard University in Washington DC.
Woodson worked through his life to promote black history in schools, launching the first Black History Week, which happened in February to coincide with the births of former President Abraham Lincoln and Social Reformer Frederick Douglass, who played leading roles in the abolition of slavery.
The first Black History Month in the UK took place in 1987, the 150th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in the Caribbean. It was organised by Akyaaba Addai-Sebo, a Ghanian refugee who came to the UK in 1984. He wanted to challenge racism and celebrate the history of black people. In the UK it was decided to celebrate this in October to coincide with the beginning of the school year and at a time when African leaders traditionally gather to talk about important issues.
When Black History Month first began in the UK it focused on American history, but this has changed dramatically to prioritise black British history and key black figures from the UK as well as the understanding of the wider global Black History and how the UK fits into this.
Through the last 100+ years, black footballers have played an ever-increasing role in the game and wider society. From the very first Black Footballer, Arthur Wharton right through to the modern players of today such as Bakayo Saka and Marcus Rashford. However, even today, we have to deal with racism on the terraces and in society. The racist abuse that the three England footballers who missed penalties in the Euro 2020 final at Wembley against Italy was utterly disgraceful and shows us that we still have a long way to go.
The first Black Professional Footballer
Arthur Wharton (1865-1930)
The Ghana-born goalkeeper is widely considered not only England’s, but the world’s first Black professional footballer. He started his career at Darlington and was also part of Preston North End’s so-called ‘Invincibles’ during the 1880s. You can read more about Arthur here: Arthur Wharton, the World's First Black Professional Footballer (arthurwhartonfoundation.org)
However, at Carlisle United, as with many other clubs across the UK, clubs and supporters have made it clear that racism, along with all forms of discrimination, will not be tolerated. The EFL and the Premier League, along with the FA and other organisations like the Football Supporters’ Association (through their Fans For Diversity Campaign - Fans for Diversity: Work breaking down barriers goes on - Football Supporters' Association (thefsa.org.uk), Kick It Out, Show Racism the Red Card and others are working very hard to ensure that clubs and fans are supported when trying to ensure a discrimination free clubs.
Black History Month Game 24 October 2023, Brunton Park, Carlisle United V Burton Albion
To that end, on Tuesday 24 October 2023 we held our Black History Month Game where we invited along many people from the local Black and People of Colour community to attend Brunton Park and experience the atmosphere at Brunton Park for themselves.
We had over 100 people in the Andrew Jenkins Stand that evening and they all had an amazing time, winning 2-1 also helped!
We had visitors from both hotels in Carlisle who currently play host to people seeking asylum from many countries across the world, including all the Hilltop United FC players, a team of black doctors and other medical professionals from West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven, as well as other members of the Carlisle community including the Carlisle African Forum.
After that game we had some amazing figures on social media. Black History Month on ‘X’ for Carlisle United EDI for example:
https://x.com/CarlisleUtdEDI/status/1717128763647881230?s=20
https://x.com/CarlisleUtdEDI/status/1717834403630510287?s=20
Almost all of the comments about this event were positive.
At Carlisle we are involved in this work for several reasons, not least, it being the right thing to do. Also, all EFL clubs are required to undertake the Code of Practice on EDI & Mental Health.
At Carlisle we have just submitted our final documents for assessment on this and are hoping to have gained the bronze award for our work from the EFL, we will find out in November 2023.
This is all about building good relations with our existing community and ensuring everyone is welcome and nobody is discriminated against. We see no reason why any group from our community wouldn’t be welcome at Brunton Park.
Carlisle United’s chief executive Nigel Clibbens said: “The event was a big success and everyone had a great time. They were made really welcome by the fans, which was great to see. We look forward to welcoming the groups back again.
“On average we distribute over 200 tickets to children, local football clubs and schools and community groups of all kinds at every game through the season. This is just another example of that programme.
“We see on social media a small number of fans have concerns and are uncomfortable with us giving tickets to these groups, especially the Asylum Seekers. Some fans question ‘whether we should be giving free tickets to the Asylum Seekers group.’
“We do this and will continue to do so because it is the right thing to do. Put simply, we are building relations with all of our community, new and old, and all of our community is welcome at Brunton Park. If that is people new to the area or looking for a new life why not make CUFC part of that?
Other comments from those who attended the game on 24 October ...
Laura Cooper, Multicultural Cumbria, said: “A huge thank you for tonight, I thoroughly enjoyed it, as did everyone from the hotels.”
Adrienne Gill, Carlisle Refugee Action Group (CRAG), said: “The opportunity for a group of men, women and children from all over the world, seeking asylum, living in Carlisle hotels, to come together alongside members of the public and cheer on Carlisle United was greatly appreciated by all who took part.”
Chris Middleton - Hilltop United FC Manager: “The lads were full of enthusiasm and have watched highlights on YouTube. They said that they were excited about Carlisle United and that ‘they were like family.”
Emmanuel Boateng - CUSG EDI People of Colour Rep, said: “The guests fully enjoyed the game and some even stated that they had never been to a football match before, and the experience was unreal!
“Some expressed how much they enjoyed the atmosphere and felt a part of the city and the supporters by being at the game and supporting! Others expressed that they and their kids loved the experience and stated that they would attend again.
“I was also at the match and sat with the communities and I could see first-hand that they were enjoying and fully immersed in the Carlisle United team, and the change in body language of some from first arriving to them leaving was absolutely beautiful to see as they opened up out of their shell and really began being a part of it all.”
“It was a great idea, I feel that it was successfully executed and on behalf of the attendees I thank you for arranging.”
Dr Ebrahim Bita - NHS International FC, West Cumberland Hospital, Whitehaven, said: “Thanks very much. Your generosity and your will to promote diversity in football is outstanding.
“The NHS team enjoyed it and on behalf of all of them I say thank you. We are willing to work with you in improving football of the future.
“To celebrate Black History month, the team of NHS international FC consists of GP'S, Doctors and healthcare workers in NHS Cumbria all from countries such as Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, Zimbabwe and Malawi. On 24 October 2023 we had a privilege to honour the invitation by Nigel Davidson who is the EDI Officer at Carlisle United FC, to watch a football match between Burton Albion FC and Carlisle United FC.
"It was nice to see the effort being done at Carlisle United FC to facilitate and promote more diversity in football as well as tackling racism by accommodating all cultures and bridging ethnic divides and improving the standards in football for the future.”
Individual Supporter Comments: "It was a very special day. We had a lot of fun watching the match. Our sporting ideas changed a lot. We noticed a lot of skills in the ball. Many thanks to those that initiated this initiative. - Zakaria, Sudan.
"Thank you for inviting me to the Carlisle match. It was a beautiful evening, and I enjoyed the match. It was an exciting match." - Aido, Somalia
“Thank you, it was great tonight, thank you again.” – Youssef.
If you do witness any discriminatory behaviour at Brunton Park, please immediately contact the SLO Simon Clarkson on 07891 779 015 or at slo@carlisleunited.co.uk or the EDI Officer Nigel Davidson on 07960 889 671 or at edi@carlisleunited.co.uk If you call this out at a game we can do something about it at the time.
