Black History Month

How Arsenal's black heroes inspired one fan

3 Oct 2022
Leeds v Arsenal 2002 Black History Month

Content creator Scully explains why a match at Leeds in 2002 earned the Gunners his fandom

Related Articles
20 years on: The day we fielded nine black players External Link
Celebrating Black History Month October 2022
Premier League captains reaffirm stance against racism

Ask Arsenal fans about 2002 and most will probably relive the week in May when Arsene Wenger's side won the Premier League and the FA Cup.

close

TV Info - Broadcasters

But for the content creator Scully, the date that stands out is a bit later, 28 September 2002.

"It was a seemingly random game the following season at Elland Road that made me a proper Gooner," Scully says 20 years on.

"I didn't notice when the teamsheet was read out. I'm not sure I even noticed when the team walked on to the pitch. But when that first goal went in it was glaringly obvious that, for the first time in Premier League history, nine of the 10 outfield players were black."

October marks Black History Month in the UK, with the Premier League and clubs celebrating the incredible contribution of players of African and Caribbean descent, and highlighting the importance of equality, diversity and inclusion.

For Scully and others, seeing these players helped them to identify with football and with Arsenal. 

"Of course, skin tone shouldn't matter, but in my life it did," says Scully. "I grew up reading comics, watching films, playing games. But it was that day, on my screen, on that pitch, where I saw heroes that were tangible.

"[These were] heroes who had the same kind of trim as my dad, or their ears pierced like my older cousin, who had the same skin colour as me.

"To that young boy it meant everything, and I know I’m not the only one."

Watch Scully's video on Arsenal YouTube

Latest Videos

More Videos

Video is currently not available.

21 Nov 2024

Classic match: Vardy and Mahrez sink Chelsea

Rewind to Leicester's title-winning season, when goals from Vardy and Mahrez gave the Foxes a famous 2-1 win

Your details have been submitted successfully.

You have already entered this competition. Please check your email for further information.

Your details have been submitted successfully.

Create a Premier League account

Continue

You are logged in as

Enter your details