A new fundraising campaign aims to build the first official memorial dedicated to pioneering footballer Andrew Watson.
Watson was the world’s first black international footballer and helped shape the game in Scotland, England and internationally. He played for Glasgow side Queen’s Park and led Scotland to victory over England in 1881.
Yet his legacy and contribution to the sport went overlooked for almost 100 years after his death, largely due to his amateur status. Author Llew Walker, who is behind the memorial campaign, believes Watson, the son of a Scottish plantation owner and a freed slave, deserves an official statue honouring his achievements.
“This is one of the most important sons of Scotland to play football and there is no official monument,” said Walker, who has written a biography of Watson. “It’s long overdue and shames the SFA that, despite inducting him into the Hall of Fame 10 years ago, they’ve done nothing since.
“Scotland needs something to mirror the beautiful memorials celebrating black footballers like Walter Tull and Arthur Wharton in England.”
To support the campaign, visit www.gofundme.com/andrew-watson-memorial
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