Arsenal’s Reiss Nelson discloses the depressing racism that he faces in own country
Arsenal’s winger, Reiss Nelson, has spoken out about the racial discrimination he encountered while growing up in the UK, as the team commemorates its black players and supporters during Black History Month.
During a conversation with Arsenal Media, the 24-year-old shared his encounters with racism from his early years.
It wasn’t until he reached about 12 years old that he comprehended the extent of what was taking place.
“I’d say it was a bit of both. Growing up, from the age of eight until about 12, you don’t realise the racial issues that are happening around you in certain areas,” Nelson said.
“There were a lot of black people on my estate, so we felt that we were together as a group and were fine, but in and around the area, there are a lot of white people in Bermondsey, and a lot of times when you go to those areas on your own as a kid you realise certain things and have feelings that you don’t experience at home.”
Nelson further elaborated that even during his early childhood, he encountered interrogation and scrutiny while being in predominantly white environments.
“Then, maybe when you’re on a stairwell, you get questions: ‘Why are you around here?’ Or in a shop, maybe a designer shop that’s a bit out of your league, you have eyes on you, and you feel a kind of presence, you know?
“I don’t get it now, maybe because I’m a bit more recognisable, but until I was maybe about 16 I’d have people on me all the time, asking questions. You get those little stares, and you can feel it. It’s not a nice feeling to have.”
Amid Arsenal’s observance of Black History Month, Nelson aims to raise awareness about racism by sharing his own encounters, aspiring to inspire others to speak out against this issue.
“I think it’s important for us to speak out about it and make sure that people are aware of it, because I think that’s the only way we can make a change,” he said. “We need to speak out and educate people, and hopefully, things will change.”
Arsenal’s Reiss Nelson discloses the depressing racism that he faces in own country