Former Newcastle goalkeeper Shaka Hislop says he was scared for his life when he was the target of racist abuse by fans who later asked for an autograph.
The 6ft4 'keeper was part of a Kevin Keegan's side that were top of the Premier League when the incident happened 25 years ago this week.
The ESPN pundit recalled how he was 'frozen with fear' when a group of youths chanted vile racist insults while he filled up his car with petrol outside St James' Park.
Hislop said: 'When you are in front of it, you are scared, genuinely, for your life. No exaggeration,' as quoted by The Mirror.
'It is such a shuddering experience.
'Then, as they got closer, one recognised who I was, and they started singing my name and wanted autographs.'
His own experience with racism led Hislop to help launch anti-racism education charity 'Show Racism the Red Card' with Ged Grebby, now its chief executive, in 1996.
'I was a black footballer worthy of the most vile racist abuse from 50 yards away, but worthy of having my name sung from 50ft away.
'I felt the need to do something. I understood how highly footballers were regarded about town and how that platform could be used to challenge the stereotypes and have a discussion about race.'
Hislop enjoyed a 14-year playing career in England and enjoyed spells with Reading West Ham and Portsmouth before hanging up his boots with MLS side FC Dallas.
Premier League clubs have shown their support to Black Lives Matter with clubs taking a knee before matches this season, an act that started in the first game back of Project Restart following the death of George Flloyd in America.