Footballer blasted by anti-racism chiefs after BLACKING UP for Christmas party apologises


Tranmere Rovers striker James Norwood has apologised after he blacked up for his side’s Christmas party.

The Sun told you yesterday how Norwood, 26, posted a photograph on social media last weekend which was swiftly deleted before his Twitter and Instagram accounts were made private.

Tranmere striker James Norwood blacked up from head to toe and has since apologised
Tranmere striker James Norwood blacked up from head to toe and has since apologised
Twitter @jnorwood

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National League side Rovers have since put their entire squad on a Equality and Diversity workshop run by the Professional Footballers’ Association.

Anti-racism charity Kick It Out told us that it was “well-intended” but “ill-thought out and out-of-date in today’s modern world”.

Twitter @jnorwood

In a statement released by Tranmere, Norwood said: “I would like to apologise for any offence I have caused, it was certainly not intentional.”

A Club spokesman added: “The response to James’ photo from a Kick It Out spokesman was balanced and fair. It was an error of judgement rather than an intention to be racist or cause offence and James has apologised for his actions.

Norwood in action for England C
Norwood in action for England C
Getty Images

“The squad were booked on to a PFA Equality and Diversity workshop on Tuesday which they are taking part in today.

“The Club will be making no further comment.”

Norwood, who is top scorer with nine goals this season for second placed Tranmere was dressed head to toe in black paint as a street vendor selling brightly coloured sunglasses.

It has emerged that Tranmere bosses have put their players on an Equality and Diversity course
It has emerged that Tranmere bosses have put their players on an Equality and Diversity course
Getty Images

The former Exeter and Forest Green Rovers striker also has seven caps for England C, the football team that represents the nation at non-league level, scoring four goals.

Norwood picked up a criminal conviction for drink driving in 2012 while at Forest Green, being banned from the road for 19 months and fined £400 in the process.


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