Former West Brom and England striker Cyrille Regis dies – latest updates

15 January 2018 09:49
Regis, pioneering black footballer, dies aged 59Paul Rees: ‘We got off the coach and … people spat at us’WBA testimonial when black players took on white players 9.49am GMT Regis was born Maripasoula in French Guiana on 9 February 1958 and arrived in Britain with his family five years later. He grew up in London and played for non-league Hayes before securing a move to West Brom in 1977. There, with fellow black players Laurie Cunningham and Brendon Batson, he became one part of the Three Degrees. Having three black players in a team was unusual at the time and the trio were subjected to horrific abuse from the terraces during the late 70s. Some of the stories beggar belief … Related: ‘We got off the coach and the National Front was there … People spat at us’ 9.38am GMT The early indications are that Regis died of a heart attack, but that has yet to be confirmed. This morning the football world is lining up to pay tribute to a man who changed the game …Devastated this morning my hero my pioneer the man behind the reason I wanted to play football has passed away my heart goes out to all his family RIP Cyrille Regis pic.twitter.com/145idFZopbWhat a man. What a centre-forward! One of my earliest football memories was walking into WBA for a trial as a 13 year old kid, seeing Cyrille Regis and being in awe of him. RIP big man Saddened to hear that Cyrille Regis has passed away. A tremendous striker and fine man whose legacy goes beyond the game, helping to pave a way for black footballers in this country. #RIPCyrille 9.22am GMT Hello, and welcome to our live blog on this sad day for football. Cyrille Regis was a wonderful footballer and a trailblazer for black players. The world will be a lesser place without him. Let me have your memories of him, on and off the pitch Continue readingreadfullarticle

Source: TheGuardian