‘Bittersweet’: plaque unveiled for black footballer whose England call-up was rescinded

In 1925 Jack Leslie was called up as a reserve for England and would have been the first black player to represent the national side, but three days before the game, he was replaced. Photograph: Historic England

It will be a day of mixed emotions for the family of the late, great Jack Leslie.

There is pride at the unveiling of a plaque on the Devon house in which he lived while becoming the first black player to captain an English football league team. But sadness too, because it takes place 100 years after his call-up for England was rescinded because of his colour.