Shaka Hislop Reflects on the Long Journey to Overcome Racism in Football and Beyond
When Shaka Hislop was filling his car with petrol at a garage in Newcastle in November 1995, he had no idea that an incident would set him on a path to change countless lives. The then-goalkeeper stood out due to his skin color, and the fuel gauge running low led to a confrontation with a group of youths who were shouting abuse. However, things took a turn when one of them recognized Hislop's name and began chanting it along with asking for autographs.
That incident serves as an inspiration behind the creation of Show Racism the Red Card (SRTRC), a leading anti-racism charity founded by his friend Ged Grebby. Two months after the petrol station incident, Hislop and teammate John Beresford discussed racism with pupils at Gosforth High School in Newcastle's northern suburbs.
Beresford has spoken openly about his own experiences and how it was only when he realized the power of language that he truly understood its impact. The two footballers became key supporters of SRTRC and went on to tour local schools, sharing their stories to educate pupils about racism. Beresford has credited Grebby with creating a platform for Hislop's voice to be heard.
As Hislop reflects on the journey, he emphasizes that overcoming racism is an ongoing process, one that may take generations or even centuries. However, his determination and optimism remain unwavering.
Hislop's own experiences in football have been marked by more than just the typical highs and lows of a professional career. He holds two degrees but credits his education at Newcastle United with teaching him valuable life skills. The team, led by Kevin Keegan, has become like a second family to Hislop, who emphasizes that he was not alone due to his skin color.
Despite facing challenges such as cancer diagnosis and the rise of racist abuse on social media, Hislop remains committed to SRTRC's mission. He believes that education is key in changing attitudes towards racism, but notes that progress may take time.
In an interview with ESPN, Hislop shared a story about being turned away from a restaurant where his family had been refused a table due to racial bias. The incident left him visibly shaken but ultimately inspired by the support and solidarity shown to him and his wife.
As for his own journey in football, Hislop credits Newcastle United with teaching him valuable life skills and lessons that go beyond mere sport.
When Shaka Hislop was filling his car with petrol at a garage in Newcastle in November 1995, he had no idea that an incident would set him on a path to change countless lives. The then-goalkeeper stood out due to his skin color, and the fuel gauge running low led to a confrontation with a group of youths who were shouting abuse. However, things took a turn when one of them recognized Hislop's name and began chanting it along with asking for autographs.
That incident serves as an inspiration behind the creation of Show Racism the Red Card (SRTRC), a leading anti-racism charity founded by his friend Ged Grebby. Two months after the petrol station incident, Hislop and teammate John Beresford discussed racism with pupils at Gosforth High School in Newcastle's northern suburbs.
Beresford has spoken openly about his own experiences and how it was only when he realized the power of language that he truly understood its impact. The two footballers became key supporters of SRTRC and went on to tour local schools, sharing their stories to educate pupils about racism. Beresford has credited Grebby with creating a platform for Hislop's voice to be heard.
As Hislop reflects on the journey, he emphasizes that overcoming racism is an ongoing process, one that may take generations or even centuries. However, his determination and optimism remain unwavering.
Hislop's own experiences in football have been marked by more than just the typical highs and lows of a professional career. He holds two degrees but credits his education at Newcastle United with teaching him valuable life skills. The team, led by Kevin Keegan, has become like a second family to Hislop, who emphasizes that he was not alone due to his skin color.
Despite facing challenges such as cancer diagnosis and the rise of racist abuse on social media, Hislop remains committed to SRTRC's mission. He believes that education is key in changing attitudes towards racism, but notes that progress may take time.
In an interview with ESPN, Hislop shared a story about being turned away from a restaurant where his family had been refused a table due to racial bias. The incident left him visibly shaken but ultimately inspired by the support and solidarity shown to him and his wife.
As for his own journey in football, Hislop credits Newcastle United with teaching him valuable life skills and lessons that go beyond mere sport.
I'm not sure about this whole racism thing being over yet... Shaka's story is super inspiring tho 
. I mean, who wouldn't want to be part of something bigger than themselves? But what really gets me is how long it took for things to change. I feel like we've been talking about this stuff for ages and still got a way to go 
. 
It's all well and good, but how do we actually put that into practice? Is it just a case of people listening to Shaka and Ged's stories and then what? Do we really need more awareness campaigns or can we have some real concrete actions being taken? 
... I mean, who would've thought that a petrol station incident back in '95 would lead to a charity like Show Racism the Red Card? 
It's amazing how one person's experience can create such a ripple effect and inspire others to make a change. But what I find really powerful is Hislop's message about overcoming racism being an ongoing process – it's not something that you can just "get over" or ignore, but rather it takes time, effort, and education 
...
Shaka's story is a powerful reminder that even small encounters can spark big changes 
. It's crazy to think he was just filling up his car when it all started 
. I've been following SRTRC's work for years, and it's amazing to see how far they've come 
. The fact that racism is still a thing in 2025, though, is super frustrating 
. Can't we just get rid of it already? 
it's amazing how one incident can spark a movement like show racism the red card 
racism is still such a big problem but if we all do our part like Shaka and Ged, we can make a difference 
! He's always been an inspiration to me & i can relate to how hard it is 2 deal with racism in football, not just as a player but also as a person 
. It's amazing how far we've come since 1995, but his story shows us that there's still work 2 be done 
. I'm glad Shaka and Ged Grebby created SRTRC though, at least thats something we can all get behind 
.
It's incredible how one person can make such a difference and inspire others to do the same 
. His story is proof that we can overcome so much with determination and optimism 
, but shaka's still fighting the good fight 
. anyway, i'm all for education & awareness being key in changing attitudes... we need more people like shaka spreading love & positivity 
for the man who's been using his platform to tackle racism in football & beyond 
but it's amazing how something bad can turn into something incredible 
. But you know what? The fact that he and John Beresford took matters into their own hands and started talking about it in schools is what makes me proud 
. It's all about being brave, standing up for what's right, and using your voice to make a difference 
. And yeah, his football career was all about overcoming obstacles, but it's not just about him - the work he did with SRTRC and other organizations is what's really making a difference 
I mean, can you imagine being turned away from a restaurant because of your skin color? That's just heartbreaking 