Getafe President defends Nigeria’s Chrisantus Uche following racial abuse allegations

Getafe President Ángel Torres has come to the defense of Nigerian midfielder Chrisantus Uche after the player spoke about experiencing racial abuse in an interview following Getafe’s 1-0 loss to Barcelona.

Uche, who joined the club this summer from third-tier AD Ceuta FC, had raised concerns about the treatment he faced in La Liga.

The 21-year-old Uche, who impressed by scoring on his debut for Getafe, discussed his experiences of racial abuse in Spain’s top flight, sparking attention. However, Torres responded by downplaying the remarks, suggesting that Uche may have been misinterpreted due to his limited understanding of Spanish.

In a statement to Sport, Torres said, “He doesn’t fully understand the language yet. When he’s been here for a year or two and speaks Spanish, then he can express himself better. For now, it’s important to ensure that things aren’t taken out of context.”

Torres also criticized the journalist for asking Uche such sensitive questions, suggesting it was inappropriate for someone so new to the country. “The journalist shouldn’t have asked such questions to a young player who has only been here for a month and a half. Our press officers should have been more involved to avoid misunderstandings.”

Torres acknowledged that while Uche’s comments about the referees and racial abuse may have been sincere, the focus should be on helping the player adjust to his new environment. He emphasised that Getafe would address the situation internally to clarify any misunderstandings and ensure Uche’s well-being.

Despite the controversy, Uche remains a promising talent for Getafe, and Torres expressed confidence that the player’s performance will continue to improve as he settles into life in La Liga.