London (AFP)

Justin Fashanu, the first English professional player to have publicly claimed his homosexuality in 1990, entered Wednesday among the great glories of English football in the museum of the "Hall of Fame".

This date marks the 59th birthday of the attacker who committed suicide by hanging eight years after his confession, badly received in particular by his brother John who had qualified Justin as "pariah" in his family, affirming that he wanted only " get noticed".

A very athletic striker, John was also a footballer and played in the "crazy gang" of the Wimbledon team, with a reputation for well-established bad boys.

Justin Fashanu had had a very promising career start, his performances with Norwich - including a goal against Liverpool who had been elected goal of the 1979/80 season - had earned him a transfer to a million pounds to Nottingham Forest, a sum then new for a player of color. However, he never had the confidence of the very demanding Brian Clough in Forest and he very often changed his jerseys afterwards.

It was his niece Amal, the daughter of John, who was nine years old at the time of the suicide of his uncle, who received this honor in his name. Journalist, she works - alongside her father who made amends on his past positions - the Justin Fashanu Foundation which fights against homophobia, racism and mental disorders among footballers.

"Wow, he's finally getting the recognition he deserves," said Amal Fashanu in the Daily Mirror.

"People tend to forget how talented he was because he was gay (...) This is an important gesture and a big step forward because they finally recognize him on a whole new level", she added.

An unfortunate coincidence, the honor given to Justin Fashanu comes as a group of Manchester United supporters were reported for singing homophobic songs during the match at Chelsea on Monday.

Manchester United issued a scathing statement recalling that "these songs are contrary to (its) values".

"We were the first club to join the TeamPride Coalition (an initiative by the antiwall homophobia group Stonewall to combat discrimination against players or supporters in sport) and we will continue to collaborate with Stonewall and others anti-discrimination organizations, "added the Red Devils.

© 2020 AFP