Former Trinidad and Tobago World Cup custodian Shaka Hislop is to be honoured by the city of Newcastle for his activism off the field.
The Newcastle City Council is expected to approve awarding Hislop with the Freedom of the City next week.
Hislop played for Newcastle United from 1995 to 1998 and was one of the key figures responsible for the formation of anti-racism charity Show Racism the Red Card in his second year at the Geordies.
The Chaconia Medal holder made the decision to advocate for the cause after being racially abused opposite the club’s home ground.
Today, the organisation offers community education in North East England, South and South East England, Scotland and Wales.
Lord Mayor Habib Rahman said Hislop was “exactly the kind of Geordie citizen we should consider giving our highest honour to.”