Ex-Newcastle ace John Beresford admits racially abusing black players from terraces in 1970s
Today he works as a campaigner against racism - Beresford used to be part of a 'mob culture that would be doing the monkey chants'
FORMER Newcastle United defender John Beresford works as a campaigner against racism.
But in the 1970s he admits to racially abusing black players – including making monkey noises.
Beresford, 51, was awarded an MBE last year in recognition of his work for
And now he has opened up on how he regrets joining in with “mob culture” as a teenage fan.
The left-back, part of Kevin Keegan's 'Entertainers' in the 1990s, told:
“In the late seventies black players were few and far between, but I would be doing the monkey chants, and I would be shouting abuse, and things like that.
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“I was part of a mob culture and it wasn’t a time great for supporters, it was quite volatile.
“When I was younger, I was never told what was right, and what was wrong. Meeting people and understanding how wrong it was, helped change my views.";
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Sheffield-born Beresford made 179 league appearances for the Magpies, scoring three goals.
He also played for Manchester City, Portsmouth and Southampton, alongside stints at Barnsley, Birmingham City and spells in non-league football.
Beresford's playing career ended at Halifax in 2002 and he also works now as a television pundit for ESPN.
At St James' Park, Beresford played alongside several brilliant black footballers, including Andy Cole, Les Ferdinand and Faustino Asprilla.
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One of his team-mates at Newcastle, former England forward Peter Beardsley, is currently suspended by the club.
An investigation follows allegations of racism and bullying made by Under 23 players in the academy where Beresford is a coach.