Nigerian midfield sensation Christantus Uche has opened up about his challenging experiences playing for Getafe in La Liga.
The 21-year-old quickly made a name for himself in Spain's top flight after netting his first La Liga goal on debut against Athletic Bilbao, but his journey has not been without frustration, both on and off the pitch.
Despite his rapid rise, Uche has faced numerous obstacles, particularly when it comes to officiating and on-field treatment. In an interview with ESPN, the midfielder expressed his frustration with what he perceives as inconsistent refereeing decisions.
Christantus Uche highlights racist attitudes in Spanish football
“In the first two or three La Liga games, I have seen with my own eyes that the referees are very bad,” Uche said.
“They hit me and the referee simply told me to get up. No, it is a foul and he has to signal it. But if they hit another person, the referee simply blows the whistle and it is very painful. It is very painful.”
Uche also spoke candidly about instances of being subjected to derogatory comments on the pitch, with no intervention from match officials.
“They call me a f***ing black man and the referees do nothing,” Uche revealed.
Getafe president disavows Uche over referee comments, blames language barrier
Getafe President Ángel Torres has reacted to Chrisantus Uche's controversial comments, suggesting that Uche, who is still learning Spanish, was being led on by the interviewer and should not criticise match officials.
“I don’t want to justify him, but someone who doesn’t speak Spanish and gets a microphone in front of him… The journalist asks him these things, and Uche says what everyone hears—that the referees are very bad,” Torres explained.
“My press officers are just as much to blame for not being there and listening as the journalist who asked that question to a kid who arrived just a month and a half ago. But I’ll talk to him and tell him that he’s completely mistaken.
“Although it’s not the right question to ask a boy who has just arrived, it doesn’t justify him speaking badly about referees or anyone.”
