8.8.12

Andrew Watson, Scotland 1881



In 1881 Andrew Watson of Scotland became the first black international footballer. 
Born in British Guiana, the son of a Scottish sugar plantation owner and a Guianan woman, he studied at the University of Glasgow. 
Watson's three internationals were resounding successes for Scotland. In 1881 England were beaten 6-1 at the Oval and Wales were beaten 5-1 at Acton Park. The following season Scotland beat England 5-1 in  Glasgow.
Watson was a full back, and played most of his football for Queen's Park, although he did have spells with London Swifts and Corinthians whilst living in England. When playing for Swifts he became the first black player to play in the  FA Cup (1882).