Originally from South Africa, Johanneson made his debut for Leeds United 50 years ago this year and endured years of racial discrimination. He is considered to have paved the way for the many black players now in top flight football.

In honour of this anniversary, an exhibition commemorating his life will be on display in the atrium at Leeds Trinity University College from 6 to 13 December.

The exhibition comprises photographs, press cuttings and extracts from match programmes of the 1960s, facts and statistics, extracts from books which have highlighted his career, and comments from fans.

The exhibition, compiled by researcher and fan Paul Eubank, has been made possible with generous sponsorship from the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA).

Karen Sayer, Professor of Social and Cultural History, is coordinating the exhibition. She said, “Paul Eubank, who put the exhibition together, regularly went to support Leeds United in the 1960s himself, when black fans were rare. His father came from Jamaica, settling in Leeds in the 1950s, and whilst in Leeds he fell in love with football and Leeds United.”

“Given current debate in the media about the experience and persistence of ‘racism’ in professional football, it is especially important to highlight Albert Johanneson’s career in the 50th anniversary of his debut. We are very grateful to the Professional Footballers' Association for sponsoring this event.”

As well as producing the exhibition, Paul Eubank has written a book called “The Forgotten Hero” on Albert Johanneson, which is due to be published next year.

Pictured: Albert Johanesson is voted Player of the Year by the Telegraph and Argus  in 1982

For more information contact Rachel Cockburn, Public Relations Officer on 0113 283 7273 or email r.cockburn@leedstrinity.ac.uk