Getafe’s Nigerian midfielder, Christantus Uche, has voiced strong criticism regarding the treatment he has faced in LaLiga, particularly from referees and fans.
The 21-year-old, who is in his debut season with Getafe after transferring from the lower-league side Ceuta, expressed his frustrations about what he perceives as bias against him on the field.
In an interview, ESPN, Uche stated, “First two matches or three matches, I saw it with my eyes the referees are so bad, they are so bad. They will kick me, the referee will just say I should stand up. No, it’s a foul, you have to blow it.” He elaborated on the inconsistency he has observed, noting, “But if they kick another person the referee will just blow it. And it’s so painful, you cannot do anything, you don’t have any power because the referee has power to do anything he wants to do.”
Uche further emphasized his frustration by recounting instances where he felt unfairly treated, “No, he has to stop it. Me I will fall down, they will kick me and I will fall down in front of the referee and the referee will not do anything. No it’s not good.”
Beyond the issues with officiating, Uche also highlighted the alarming presence of racism in the league, urging for change. “Racism is not good, it has to stop. Everybody is the same, everybody is equal,” he asserted.
The midfielder didn’t shy away from discussing the racial abuse he has endured from some supporters, a problem that has plagued Spanish football.
He described the hurtful comments he has received, saying, “Both the fans, some of the fans, they will be hailing you ‘f—— Black,’ you are a ‘Black this this, that that.’ No it’s not good.”
Uche’s comments shed light on the ongoing challenges faced by players of colour in LaLiga and underscore the need for greater awareness and action against discrimination within the sport.
On February 21, 2024, it was reported that Uche had reached an agreement to join La Liga club Getafe CF.
Ceuta manager, José Juan Romero, confirmed the transfer two days later. Both Getafe and Ceuta officially announced the deal on June 13, with Uche signing a four-year contract with the Madrid-based club.
Uche made his professional debut in the top flight on August 15, 2024, starting as a forward and netting the equalizer in a 1–1 away draw against Athletic Bilbao.
Similarly, Real Madrid’s forward, Vinícius Júnior, has been subjected to repeated racial abuse from rival fans, with a landmark ruling in June leading to the imprisonment of three individuals for an incident in Valencia.
This marked the first conviction of its kind in Spain.
In August, the Brazilian star expressed concern that Spain might lose its privilege to host matches during the 2030 World Cup if these issues persist.
“I hope that Spain can evolve, and understand how serious it is to insult someone because of the colour of their skin,” he told CNN. “If by 2030 things don’t improve, I think we have to move the location, because if a player doesn’t feel comfortable and safe playing in a country where they can suffer racism, it’s a bit difficult.”
Despite these troubling incidents, Uche expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to compete in Spain’s premier league.
“I feel great for the opportunity to play at this level, in LaLiga,” he said. “I’m trying my best to show I have the quality to play here. Playing against Barcelona and Real Madrid is a dream come true, I’m very glad to be here.”
