Former Newcastle United goalkeeper Shaka Hislop has been awarded the Freedom of the City.
The Toon legend, part of the famous entertainers team of the 1990s, was granted Newcastle’s top civic honour on Wednesday night in recognition of his pivotal role in the creation of anti-racism charity Show Racism the Red Card (SRTRC).
The NUFC hero’s decision to use his public profile to help fight discrimination came after a well-documented incident in which he was subjected to racist insults at a petrol station opposite St James’ Park, before the youngsters abusing him then recognised who he was and asked for his autograph instead.
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The 53-year-old sent a letter of support and a £50 donation that helped establish the North Shields-based charity in 1996 and still serves as its honorary president.
In a video released by the city council ahead of a meeting to vote on the Freedom of the City nomination, the former Trinidad and Tobago international said it was an “incredible honour”.
He added: "I recognise that there are so many people I have to thank, starting with Newcastle United for giving me an opportunity to play football at the highest level, to live my boyhood dreams, and the support they gave to me and the rest of the Newcastle dressing room as we worked to shape what SRTRC had become.
"I need to thank founder and CEO Ged Grebby for the work and his vision over the last 26 years, our staff and volunteers who have given tirelessly themselves.
"And finally I would like to thank Habib Rahman, the first mayor of colour in Newcastle's history, for his vision and his efforts in continuing to shape that better world that we all started out hoping for some 26 years ago."
Coun Karen Kilgour, the council’s deputy leader, told Wednesday’s meeting that Shaka Hislop remained in the hearts of Newcastle fans for his part in Kevin Keegan’s legendary team, but that his commitment to fighting racism was why he deserved the city’s top award.
Fellow Labour councillor John Stokel-Walker added that the honour was both well-deserved and long overdue, saying that the ex-goalkeeper’s involvement with SRTRC had been far more than a “flash in the pan”.
Liberal Democrat Henry Gallagher said that granting him the Freedom showed that Newcastle was a tolerant and welcoming city.
Other recent recipients also include the former Bishop of Newcastle Christine Hardman, the late Byker councillor George Allison, ex-NUFC chairman Freddy Shepherd and his brother Bruce, and Great North Run founder Sir Brendan Foster.
