Paul Canoville, Chelsea’s first black player, critically ill in hospital

The 58-year-old has battled severe racism and bigotry, drug addiction, and cancer, but later founded the successful Paul Canoville Foundation

Chelsea’s first-ever black player Paul Canoville, pictured, is critically ill in hospital (Nick Potts/PA)

Chelsea’s first black player Paul Canoville is critically ill in hospital after emergency surgery.

The 58-year-old graced the Blues with distinction between 1981 and 1986, battling severe racism and bigotry while acting as a trailblazer for his community.