Howard Gayle turned down an MBE because accepting the honour would have been a "betrayal" of those who suffered under British colonial rule.
Former Liverpool player Howard Gayle has explained his reasons for turning down a Member of the British Empire nomination.
Gayle, who became Liverpool's first black player in 1977, was put forward for the honour - commonly known as an MBE and awarded by the constitutional monarchy in the United Kingdom for outstanding achievements, public service and charitable work - on account of his involvement with the anti-racism football educational charity Show Racism the Red Card.