FOOTBALL VS THE WEB

The former professional footballer made 30 appearances for England whilst making history, becoming the first black footballer to represent England at a senior level. During his career, Viv won three league cups with Arsenal and Nottingham Forest, where he was later named by the Forest supporters as the clubs greatest ever player. In 2004, Viv was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame and since retiring continues to motivate and inspire future generations of football.

Justin and his younger brother, John Fashanu, were sent to Barnardos, a British charity that prepared children for adoption. During his teen years he was a promising boxer. By 15, he was a two time British Amateur Junior Heavyweight finalist, however Norwich City saw his footballing potential. During his Canaries career he found the back of the net 35 times in 90 appearances, earning a move to Nottingham Forest for £1 million, making him the first black player to transfer for that amount. Throughout his career, speculation about his private life and visits to gay bars made the headlines at a time when homophobia was extremely common in football. In 1998 whilst coaching Maryland Mania, he was accused of sexually assaulting a 17 year old male. Despite the age of consent being 16, Justin fled the US hoping to avoid trial. Just two months later, Justin was found dead in a garage in London, where he had hanged himself. In a suicide note he stated his innocence and that his interaction with the other male was consensual.