English FA to erect Ghanaian-born Wharton’s plaque at Wembley Stadium

The English Football Association is said to erect a plaque of Ghanaian-born and world’s first black professional footballer Arthur Wharton in front of the Wembley Stadium, the national stadium of England.

According to a report by the Northern Echo on July 14, 2011, the FA is initiating moves to honour Wharton who was a former Darlington FC goalkeeper, at the stadium.

“The Football Association (FA) confirmed its plans to honour Darlington FC goalkeeper Arthur Wharton after campaigners from the region met with officials and MPs at the House of Commons,” the publication said.

It added “The Northern Echo understands the FA is hoping to erect a plaque, given to them by Darlington-based charity the Arthur Wharton Foundation, at the national stadium.”

A TRIBUTE to the world’s first professional black footballer, who started his career in the North-East, is to become a feature of Wembley Stadium.

The FA, which has donated £20,000 to the foundation, also confirmed it will continue to be involved with the plans to erect a statue in Darlington.

By Ekow Quandzie