61 Minutes in Munich: Howard Gayle

Monday 8th May 

Written by Alice Mason

On Monday 8th May, Toxteth Library was packed. The first black LFC footballer to play at first team level, Howard Gayle, had arrived to talk about his new book, 61 Minutes in Munich. Joining him in conversation was Emy Onuora, the author of Pitch Black, The Story of Black British Footballers. What I discovered was that this evening wasn't just for football fans. Howard talked candidly about the racism he recieved when he was training, the world he grew up in and how Hillsborough affected football in Liverpool. Gayle mentioned how much he loved being part of LFC and putting on the red shirt of Liverpool was a 'true honour'. It was a joy to see an entire audience engaged and in solidarity with Gayle's story. Onuora was an excellent host, asking the right questions and allowing the audience the time to express themselves and connect with Gayle.