Jason Brown lifts lid on his life as a black man in USA and fears of even going for run at night

Former Blackburn and Wales goalkeeper Jason Brown has lifted the lid on his life as a black man in America and how he fears even going for a run after dark.

The recent death of black man George Floyd at the hands of a white police officer has sparked a global civil rights movement, while there have also been protests and riots around the country.

Amid the anger and frustration around America, former Premier League goalkeeper Brown admits he has imposed a curfew upon him and his family, as he fears leaving the house after dark.   

Former Wales goalkeeper Jason Brown has lifted the lid on living as a black man in the USA

The death of George Floyd in Minneapolis has sparked a global civil rights movement

‘Five black guys that were found hung,’ he told The Daily Mirror. ‘They are trying to play it off of suicide but I don’t buy it. The rate of black people in America choosing to do that publicly in that way has been minimal.

‘Now all of a sudden it is five. So the word on the street is that if you’re a black male, try not to be out by yourself after dark. So I’m not out after dark. When me and my partner are out, I’m like, “Babe, I think it’s time we head on home”. I just don’t want to take a risk.’

In the weeks since Floyd’s death in Minneapolis, more black men have been killed by the police and the Black Lives Matter movement has made headlines around the world.

Despite the global audience and millions around the world now sitting up to take notice, Brown admits he still fears the ‘trigger-happy’ police in America. 

Brown admits he fears for his life and has made the decision not to leave his house after dark

Protests have taken place around the world, including in London (pictured) in recent weeks

‘As a black man it’s scary,’ he added. ‘I go through a near-daily procedure with my fiancee to remember what to do if the police pull me over.

‘The officers here have guns and you have to be very careful because they are very trigger happy. It’s a great country. I must say that because many people feel like, “Well, why do you want to live there?”

‘But in terms of the race issue, it is really scary when a police officer appears behind my car. Real panic settles in and it’s like, “Please don’t pull me over. Please don’t pull me over!” because just reaching for something – anything – could be fatal.’

Brown played for Blackburn in the top-flight during a 15-year professional career, while also making a handful of appearances for the Wales national team.

His coaching career has since seen him take in the likes of Bangladesh, Vietnam and Thailand, before moving to America with his partner.