Iconic Moments in Football No.87
One of the most iconic moments of the 1970’s took place in a match between Sheffield United and Leicester City on 26th April 1975. It was caught on camera and created quite a storm in the national news.
Leicester’s Adam Birchenall and United’s maverick midfielder Tony Currie tussled for the ball. Both fell to the floor and laughed off the incident. Both players kissed on the lips before getting up and carrying on with the match.
The photo was splashed across the newspapers and was seen as controversial at a time when that sort of act was frowned upon and shocked people.
Homosexuality had only been legalised eight years prior as part of the Sexual Offences Act of 1967. At the time many people were horrified that two footballers would do such a thing. Some of the older generation were also offended by the fact players had long hair. Birchenall and Currie were both guilty of that as well!
The two players were already friends before and meet regularly at matches. They are cheered as they go on the Bramall Lane pitch at Sheffield United and recreate the kiss!
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