Getafe president Ángel Torres has criticized Super Eagles-eligible midfielder Chrisantus Uche’s recent comments about La Liga referees and racial abuse, labeling them a “complete mistake.”
Uche, who has impressed since joining Getafe, expressed frustration in an ESPN Africa interview about La Liga officiating and racial slurs he’s encountered during matches.
“In my first two or three La Liga games, I saw with my own eyes that the referees are very bad,” Uche said. “They hit me, and the referee just told me to get up. It’s a foul, and he has to blow the whistle.”
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Uche also revealed instances of racial abuse, stating, “They call me a f***ing black man, and the referees do nothing.”
However, Torres responded sharply to Uche’s remarks, suggesting a possible miscommunication due to language barriers.
Chrisantus Uche spoken on referee abuse in the La liga
“He has made a complete mistake,” Torres told El Chiringuito TV. “I will talk to him, as I haven’t seen the full interview. I don’t want to justify it, but someone who doesn’t speak Spanish, with a microphone in front of him, it seems to me that the journalist is more at fault.”
Uche’s comments have sparked a conversation about player treatment and racial abuse in La Liga.
Despite this controversy, reports suggest Uche has been named in Nigeria’s provisional squad for upcoming fixtures, although the Nigeria Football Federation has yet to confirm.
The incident highlights the ongoing struggle against racism in football and the need for clear communication and action.
“As a player, you want to focus on the game, not fighting racism,” said former Nigeria international, Sunday Oliseh. “La Liga must take these allegations seriously and address them.”
The Spanish Football Federation and La Liga have faced criticism for their handling of racial abuse cases in the past.
“This is not just about Uche; it’s about creating a safe environment for all players,” Oliseh added.
Getafe and Uche’s representatives have yet to respond to Torres’ comments.
The situation continues to unfold, with many calling for greater accountability and action against racism in Spanish football.
