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.
READ MORE: Sunderland's Gary Bennett opens up on his fight against racism in football after being awarded MBE
"But it soon sank in when I took a couple of calls from the Cabinet Office. I was surprised, overwhelmed really, because I wasn't expecting it.
"It's a fantastic honour and I'm delighted to receive it for my work with Show Racism the Red Card over a long period of time - I've been a patron for more than 25 years. It will rank right up there with anything that I achieved during my playing career.
"To be acknowledged for the work that you have done, not just in football or sport but in life, is something that everyone wants to achieve."
Bennett's career began as a youth at Manchester City before moving to Cardiff City and then to Sunderland. After leaving Roker Park in 1995, he went on to play for Carlisle United, Scarborough, and Darlington. Bennett was appointed manager at Darlington in 2000 and spent 14 months in that role.
He still lives in Sunderland and now works as a match summariser for BBC Radio Newcastle, covering the Black Cats' games. Bennett has also been awarded an Honorary Degree by the University of Sunderland in recognition of his achievements as a footballer, coach, and anti-racism advocate, and he will collect that award at a ceremony at the Stadium of Light on Thursday.
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