The 58-year-old, who runs his own foundation and campaigns against racism, was the Blues’ first black player when he signed in 1981.
In a brief statement, his foundation confirmed: “We are saddened to report that our founder Paul Canoville is seriously ill in hospital after complications developed after emergency surgery. We are aware that your many fans and followers on your social media accounts have been losing your regular posts for over two weeks.
“We know how loved Paul is and we will post updates as we receive them, but we ask that his family’s desire for privacy be respected and that they are not contacted by the media. The PFA is in contact with Paul’s family and is very supportive.
Please keep Paul in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you”.
Canoville has become an inspirational figure to many after a playing career that saw him endure horrendous racial abuse.
He has also been honest about his previous battles with drugs and has recovered from cancer three times.
His foundation now helps youth in the community with life skills.
Chelsea released their own statement this morning, saying: “All of us at Chelsea Football Club wish Paul Canoville, our former player, a speedy recovery following today’s statement of his own confidence that he is seriously ill in hospital.
“Paul has an important place in Chelsea history. He debuted in 1982 and was the first black player on our first men’s team. He faced considerable prejudice, but he stood strong and went on to make 100 appearances, including during the glorious 1983-84 promotion and a memorable season in the top flight that followed.
“More recently, Paul has been involved in the club again, working on projects for the Chelsea Foundation and hosting the hospitality areas at Stamford Bridge. Recently, he spoke about racism in soccer in a special video with Callum Hudson-Odoi.
“Canners get well soon!”
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Paul Canoville at Ray Wilkins funeral in 2018.
/ Fake images)
Canoville’s memoir ‘Black and Blue’ recounts his experiences as a victim of racism both on and off the court, as well as his struggles after being forced to retire at the age of 25.
In an interview with the PFA, he said: “I never thought I would receive the abuse I suffered in a professional club. It was definitely hard to play when they call you the n-word and the w-word. They were three difficult years for me. I always felt like I had to play twice as well as my teammates to try to be accepted.
“I used to go home every day and think about what else I could do to get them to start supporting me. At that time it was dangerous to be black or Asian and wear a Chelsea jersey, and people didn’t even know that I couldn’t go straight home after games because I was afraid of being caught by the National Front.
“It is really disturbing that 30 years later, there are still people who are racially abusing players, but I know there is real work being done to properly eradicate racism in football.”
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