Clyde Best is one of football's pioneers -- the first black player of the modern era to establish himself in England's top division.
See CNN’s video that features a preview of the show with Clyde Best – click Read More
Best's persistence in coping with the hate mail and the fan abuse -- some of it from his own club's supporters -- helped paved the way for Viv Anderson, England's first black international.
In his playing days Best received a letter, "The letter stated that, as I ran through the tunnel, they were going to throw acid in my face. I was petrified and I probably never moved so much and so fast on a soccer field in my life."
The reaction he faced from fans on the terraces more than 40 years ago was extreme, mirroring the strong resistance to immigrants landing on Britain's shores back then.
Recent incidents have shown that racism is still a big problem in these more multicultural times. World football's president, Sepp Blatter, infamously claimed last year that racism is not an issue on the pitch, but he has been proved sadly wrong.
CNN's feature show on racism in football will broadcast this week. "World Sport presents: It's Not Black & White" airs today, Friday February 24 at 4pm., Saturday 12noon and 10pm, Sunday 7am and Monday 4am.
