“Yes, you have people shouting racist abuse and throwing bananas on the field, and there are issues regarding the number of black coaches and managers in the game, but which other industry allows a young black boy the exact same opportunity as a young white boy?”

Jamaican-born former footballer and manager

John Charles Bryan Barnes is a Jamaican-born former professional footballer and manager. He played for England and is widely remembered for his long spell at Liverpool, where he became one of the club’s standout players. He also works as an author and as a commentator and pundit for ESPN and SuperSport. Barnes began as a fast, skilful left winger before moving into central midfield later in his career. With Liverpool he won two League titles and two FA Cups. He earned 79 caps for England, and his career is often discussed in terms of both his club success and his influence on the national side.