Norwich fans celebrated the anniversary of Justin Fashanu’s wonder goal against Liverpool in 1980 with an inclusive Pride banner celebrating the moment.
The current Canaries side took on Liverpool at Carrow Road almost exactly 40 years after Fashanu’s stunning volley against the Reds, which Barry Davies described at the time as “magnificent”.
The forward became the first player in England to come out, in 1990, but took his own life aged 37 in 1998.
Proud Canaries, a Norwich City LGBT+ fan group, worked with supporters group Along Come Norwich and the Barclay End to produce the 20-metre long banner, upon which a description of Fashanu’s goal is written.
The words ‘MAGNIFICENT GOAL!’ meanwhile were written in the colours of the inclusive Pride flag, which includes black and brown stripes – to represent ethnic minority backgrounds – as well as rainbow colours.
“Two years ago I drew a massive art work for Norwich Pride of LGBT+ icons nominated by the community,” said banner designer and Proud Canary David Shenton.
“The most voted for person was Justin Fashanu… a man so treasured in this city especially by the football club for his artistry as a player, and by the LGBT+ community for his courage in not hiding who he was.”
Di Cunningham of the Proud Canaries meanwhile celebrated the “super-inclusive” nature of the East Anglia side.
“I’m overwhelmed that Justin still has such an important place in the hearts of Norwich fans, and that connection helps make this club super-inclusive,” said Di.
“Huge credit too to the club for their ongoing commitment to equality – and in offering the flexibility and assistance to ensure that these fantastic displays of support can happen.”
