Walter Smith was the first professional black football player in the English top flight . He signed for Tottenham Hotspur after glittering amateur season with Clapton . Joined the Footballer 's Batallion at outbreak of World War I and was made an officer . Was shot down just a month before his 30th birthday during fierce fighting in France .
Walter Tull was the first professional black outfield player in the English top division . Tull signed for Tottenham Hotspur after glittering amateur season with Clapton . Joined the Footballer 's Batallion at outbreak of World War One and was made an officer . Was gunned down just a month before his 30th birthday during fierce fighting in France .