'brilliantly written ... a genuinely important book' Jonathan Ross, The Jonathan Ross Show

'something we all need to be reading ... an absolutely brilliant book ... a great read for all of us' Zoe Ball, BBC Radio 2

'an absolutely terrific book' Susanna Reid, Good Morning Britain

'[John Barnes is] such a clear thinker ... well worth reading' Richard Madeley, Good Morning Britain

'this book feels uncomfortable, but important, too ... Passionate, confrontational stuff' The Observer

An eloquent and thought-provoking book on racism and prejudice by the Liverpool and England football legend John Barnes.

John Barnes spent the first dozen years of his life in Jamaica before moving to the UK with his family in 1975. Six years later he was a professional footballer, distinguishing himself for Watford, Liverpool and England, and in the process becoming this country's most prominent black player.

Barnes is now an articulate and captivating social commentator on a broad range of issues, and in The Uncomfortable Truth About Racism he tackles head-on the issues surrounding prejudice with his trademark intelligence and authority.

By vividly evoking his personal experiences, and holding a mirror to this country's past, present and future, Barnes provides a powerful and moving testimony. The Uncomfortable Truth About Racism will help to inform and advance the global conversation around society's ongoing battle with the awful stain of prejudice.

Barnes has written a book which reiterates that racism is embedded in society rather than just football. -- Donald McRae * The Guardian *
this book certainly feels uncomfortable, but important, too... Passionate, confrontational stuff. -- Ben East * The Guardian *
brilliantly written... a genuinely important book -- Jonathan Ross * The Jonathan Ross Show *
something we all need to be reading... an absolutely brilliant book... a great read for all of us -- Zoe Ball * BBC Radio 2 *
an absolutely terrific book -- Susanna Reid * Good Morning Britain *
[John Barnes is] such a clear thinker... well worth reading -- Richard Madeley * Good Morning Britain *

Born in Jamaica in 1963, John Barnes moved to the UK with his family at the age of 12.

His distinguished football career included six years at Watford and a decade at Liverpool. Whilst at Anfield, he played 403 games, scored 106 goals, and won the First Division twice, the FA Cup twice and the League Cup. He was the FWA Footballer of the Year in both 1988 and 1990.

Barnes won 79 caps for his country, scoring 11 goals and playing at the 1986 and 1990 World Cup finals, and the 1988 European Championships. In 1984, against Brazil in Rio, he scored what is widely considered to be the greatest ever individual goal for England.

Barnes also played for Newcastle United and Charlton Athletic, and had spells managing Celtic, Jamaica and Tranmere Rovers.

Now a football pundit and social commentator, he regularly appears in the media to discuss issues around prejudice and discrimination.