Sunderland AFC legend Gary Bennett has been presented with the MBE from King Charles III at Windsor Castle today.
Club icon Bennett – who represented Sunderland 427 times across 11 years between 1984 and 1995 – has been recognised with the honour for services to anti-racism in football, in the latest New Year’s Honour List.
‘Benno’, as he is universally affectionately known across the North East, turns 61 on Sunday – but the celebrations do not end there.
He will also receive an honorary degree from the University of Sunderland this Thursday for his outstanding footballing achievements, alongside his coaching accomplishments and his status as a long and notable advocate for anti-racism. Bennett was one of the original members of the Show Racism the Red Card campaign whilst still a Sunderland player – an organisation now well-recognised across the UK and in Europe, originating from the North East.
Everyone at Sunderland AFC would like to congratulate and thoroughly commend Benno for his outstanding achievements and services to football, anti-discrimination and the future of today.