Brendon Batson's Exclusive Account: Unveiling the Untold Story of the Legendary 'Blacks vs Whites' Game for Len Cantello's Testimonial

Brendon Batson found himself in an unprecedented dressing room at Len Cantello's West Brom testimonial in 1979. It was a unique experience as he was surrounded by Black players exclusively. In an extraordinary turn of events, the game featured a matchup between an all-Black team and an all-white team.

"It couldn't occur in present times," Batson informs us after the publication of his memoir, The Third Degree. "There's no necessity for it to transpire nowadays," he further remarks. "Although we didn't deliberately contemplate it, it served as a means to dismantle obstacles."

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The Cyrille Regis XI line up at the Hawthorns before Len Cantello's testimonial in 1979

Batson, along with Cyrille Regis and Laurie Cunningham, formed a trio known as the Three Degrees while playing for West Brom. This marked a significant moment in British football as it was the first time three Black players regularly featured in a top-flight team. However, Cantello's testimonial, which is now famously referred to as the 'Blacks vs Whites' game, offered a unique experience. Black players from various regions had gathered at the Hawthorns to represent their community, providing a rare occasion where being Black did not make them the minority.

"We were well aware, both as individuals and as a group, of the arduous journey that led us to that very dressing room," Batson explains. "We were intimately familiar with the challenges we had to overcome, as well as the hardships our parents endured. Additionally, we were acutely aware of the struggles faced by the wider Black community."

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A statue of Laurie Cunningham, Brendon Batson and Cyrille Regis stands outside the Hawthorns

Batson, a member of the Windrush generation, was unfamiliar with football until he immigrated to the UK at the age of nine. Despite being initially advised to pursue cricket and facing discrimination, such as slipping on a banana thrown from the crowd during his debut for West Brom, Batson was constantly reminded that the game was not meant for individuals like him.

Unfortunately, his experience was not unique. The players in the dressing room shared a similar lived experience, which is why this event honoring the team led by Regis was more than just a testimonial.

"We, as players, declared, 'We represent our community, so let's ensure that we emerge victorious'," Batson recollects. This presented an opportunity to rectify the incorrect beliefs that Black players were inferior to their white peers solely based on their skin color.

"Whispers circulated about Black players," Batson reveals. "'They lack ambition. They lack courage. They are averse to the cold. They are incapable of tackling'. All of these notions were baseless." These were the stereotypes that Batson and his contemporaries faced during their path to professionalism and throughout their careers.

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Batson was a key member of an electrifying West Brom team that achieved third place in the 1978/79 season, although their hopes for the championship faded in the latter part of the campaign.

Notably, this environment led to the departure of several individuals. "Many Black parents were hesitant to allow their sons to pursue apprenticeship contracts," Batson recalls. "There was a prevalent discouragement due to the absence of Black players in the Football League."

Cantello's testimonial unequivocally highlighted the issue of visibility. Batson further acknowledges, "To be honest, I was unaware of the significant number of Black players."

During that era, football stadiums were predominantly inhabited by white attendees. Racism on the terraces was blatant and pervasive. Batson elaborates in his book, emphasizing the overwhelming magnitude of the abuse, which was audibly evident in broadcasts but seldom condemned.

Commentator Gerald Sinstadt was among the pioneers in highlighting the booing that West Brom's Black players faced at Old Trafford in December 1978. This brief but impactful incident would go on to shape the enduring reputation of one of the most recognizable voices in sports. Watch the moment starting from 0:20 in the video featured below.

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The game was a thrilling encounter that West Brom emerged victorious in with a 5-3 scoreline. However, Batson's most significant memory was centered around this acknowledgment. "It holds great significance," he reflects. "I cannot recall any commentators acknowledging it. Gerald deserves immense praise for his bravery in doing so."

Amidst these rare instances of recognition, Batson found himself largely left to fend for himself. "My perspective was, 'I will see you in the upcoming week. I will see you next month. I will see you next year'. This is the profession I have chosen, and I will not be driven away from the pitch," he affirms.

"In my era, most Black players had a similar attitude," Batson explains. "Despite the challenges and lack of support from the authorities, they continued to emerge in larger numbers, which is why I greatly admire those players from my time."

Cantello's testimonial provided an opportunity to demonstrate this. "It was something special," Batson reflects. "Back then, there were very few Black supporters. We hoped that the event would attract more people to the stadium and garner their support." The ambiance at the Hawthorns on that day was noticeably distinct from regular match days, Batson remembers.

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After retiring, Brendon Batson made a significant contribution as the PFA deputy chief executive. He recalls the atmosphere during matches, mentioning the presence of numerous Black supporters both within and outside the stadium. The lively ambiance resembled a festive occasion, with stalls set up and people cooking delicious jerk chicken and rice and peas. Though not witnessing it firsthand, he was aware of the vibrant scene taking place.

According to the Birmingham Daily Post's report, the 6,750 spectators present enjoyed "a fantastic evening of top-notch entertainment". The Cyrille Regis XI emerged as winners, defeating Cantello's West Brom XI with a 3-2 victory, despite initially falling behind. Goals from Cunningham, Garth Crooks of Stoke, and Stewart Phillips of Hereford United propelled them to success.

The report also mentioned that any concerns about the potentially volatile nature of the black-versus-white match, which was a first in professional football, quickly disappeared. The game proceeded smoothly in front of an enthusiastic crowd, who were determined to relish the display of skill on the field.

As frequently occurred, the generation of Black players at that time were unknowingly forging a significant chapter in history. Their contributions were instrumental in shaping the modern English game as we recognize it today. Speaking with Batson, a true pioneer in football, it becomes evident that there was limited recognition for the pivotal role he played.

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Batson, pictured at Highbury playing against Arsenal, made 10 appearances for the Gunners before joining Cambridge

Batson, the first Black player to ever play for Arsenal, had no knowledge of this remarkable achievement until the 1990s. It was during an anti-racism event at Stamford Bridge, where he was introduced, that he learned about this surprising fact. Reflecting on this newfound information, Batson admits to being taken aback. At the time, the significance of his groundbreaking status had never crossed his mind.

Batson considers being acknowledged as a professional player to be the highlight of his career, saying, "I felt immense pride in that accomplishment." Purchase Brendon Batson's autobiography, The Third Degree, at the price of £19.95.