Letter: Colour-blind worship

Sir: With regard to the current discussion of black role models ('Start to stereotype in 9.87', 17 August; Letters, 19 August), I have the following experience to contribute.

Some months ago, out walking in the street, I saw ahead of me a (white) boy heading a ball against a wall. When I came abreast of him our eyes happened to meet and as a remark seemed appropriate I said: 'So you're Gary Lineker, are you?' His reply came without hesitation: 'No, I'm John Barnes.'

Yours faithfully,

DAVID WALLACE

Brighton, East Sussex