Derby County criticised for honouring ex-star with racist past while Nazi-defying goalkeeper left out
Club accused of “emboldening racism” after Stefano Eranio included but Jack Kirby, who resisted Hitler, is overlooked
Derby County have come under criticism after unveiling a new Walk of Fame that includes a former player sacked for racist remarks – but leaves out Jack Kirby, the goalkeeper who refused to give the Nazi salute on tour in 1934.
Twelve inductees were revealed at Pride Park on Saturday, chosen through fan nominations. Among them was Italian winger Stefano Eranio, a late-1990s favourite, who in 2015 was dismissed as a Swiss TV pundit after claiming black defenders “often make certain errors because they’re not concentrating.”
The decision has sparked anger from supporters who argue Kirby’s moral courage made him one of the club’s true greats. During four games in Nazi Germany, he stood firm with his arms by his side while teammates complied with the salute.
“Kirby was a symbol of defiance against the Nazis and fascists,” Derby fan and historian Kal Singh Dhindsa told the Daily Mail, who this year led a successful campaign to restore the goalkeeper’s grave. “His inclusion would have been a source of immense pride and an excellent opportunity to educate all. Instead, Derby County have opened the floodgates to embolden more fans to think in the way Eranio expressed himself.”
Dhindsa said he had faced abuse online since raising concerns. “There are many fans who feel the same way as me but are too afraid to call it out,” he added.
Kirby, who made 191 appearances for Derby, died in 1960 aged just 50. His rediscovered story has become a symbol of resistance to fascism in football.
Jewish News understands the club does not accept there has been a “backlash”, stressing that the Walk of Fame is a supporter-led initiative with fans selecting inductees. The club is said to have received no complaints from fans or campaign groups following the story’s publication in the national press, and notes it has previously supported Dhindsa’s fundraising work.
It is understood the club envisages Kirby being represented in the Walk of Fame in future, and maintains it is proud of its record of inclusivity and representation.
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