Curtis Jones and Howard Gayle talk racism, resilience and representing for Black History Month
"I faced racism in the streets, at school, everywhere I went. It was tough for a young Black lad like me."
As part of Liverpool FC's Black History Month celebrations, Liverpool FC's first ever Black player, Howard Gayle, spent the day with Curtis Jones to share his inspiring story of battling racism and breaking down barriers.
The pair met at the AXA Training Centre, where Gayle watched the men's first team training session and was greeted by captain Virgil Van Dijk and head coach Arne Slot, as well as players including Alexander Isak, Joe Gomez, Alisson Becker, and Jeremie Frimpong.
Throughout the day Howard opened up about how he suffered constant racism growing up in Liverpool, and how he was determined to represent his community on the world stage.
He said: "I was someone of strong character, I had a strong family and they made me realise what I was doing mattered, and how I was breaking down barriers for the next Black person to enter Liverpool's team.
"There were a lot of Black players who failed because they couldn't handle the racial abuse. All the trauma that I went through, I used it all to my own benefit.
"When somebody shouted racial abuse on the pitch, that would spark me. My thing was to tear the back out of them and humiliate them. And I did that on many occasions."
Born in 1958 in Toxteth, Gayle grew up at a time of deep racial tension across Liverpool and the country as a whole.
Having signed for Liverpool in 1977, his shining moment for the Reds was in 1981 when he came off the bench in the European Cup semi-final against Bayern Munich, helping the team to reach the final which they would go on to win.
His strength in the face of adversity would go on to pave the way for future LFC stars like John Barnes, Paul Ince, Mark Walters and Michael Thomas.
A mural in Howard's honour is proudly displayed in the city's Toxteth area, serving as a lasting tribute to the trailblazer who paved the way for future generations of Black players to wear a Liverpool shirt.
Speaking to Howard beside the mural Curtis Jones, who also comes from the Toxteth area, discussed the importance of owning your own identity.
He said: "The biggest thing that I always say is never be ashamed of your skin. Whether you're Black, white, Asian – anything it is. Be proud, and go and be the best you can be."
The special meeting between Liverpool player past and present forms part of Liverpool FC's Black History Month activities. Alongside this the LFC Foundation is working with Red Together, the club's equality, diversity and inclusion programme, to mark this month with a series of initiatives, including 'Football and Heritage' school sessions with local Black historians and educators, and a Premier League Kicks x Black History Football Tournament.
Red Together is part of The Red Way, which is the club's ongoing commitment to creating a better future for our people, planet and communities.