Sunderland legend Gary Bennett received his MBE from King Charles III at an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle today, in recognition of his work in combating racism is football. Former Black Cats captain Bennett, 60, was named a Member of the Order of the British Empire in the New Year's Honours list, having spent 25 years working with the anti-racism charity Show Racism the Red Card, of which he is patron.
Among the other recipients at today's investiture were tennis star Emma Raducanu, artist Isaac Julien, and former Test cricketer Hugh Morris. Bennett joined Sunderland in the summer of 1984, going on to spend 11 years as a player on Wearside and he ranks fifth in the club's list of all-time appearance-makers having played 443 games.
During his time at the club he was an immensely popular figure, and was influential in ending racist chants at Roker Park at a time when they were common throughout football. "I received the letter on my birthday - December 4 - and when it came through the door, it was completely out of the blue and I thought it might be somebody having a bit of fun," said Bennett, when his inclusion in the New Year's Honours List was announced.
