Racism normalised in Argentine football as West African communities share abuse | OneFootball

Racism in Argentine football is often denied or normalised, highlighted by the Prestianni-Vinicius row in Benfica 0-1 Real Madrid, with UEFA opening an investigation and provisionally suspending the Argentine.

In Buenos Aires, West African migrants describe routine abuse as they meet to play in Constitución. According to L'Équipe, communities from Senegal, Ghana, Cameroon and Nigeria gather weekly to discuss the latest flashpoints.

A Senegalese former lower-league player known as Capi said taunts are commonplace. He recalled bananas being thrown at him, which he peeled and ate, and criticised Sergio Agüero for laughing at a derogatory France v Senegal jibe.

Cameroonian ex-pro Maxime Tankouo said club staff told him as an agent that excellent players could not be kept because they were black and locals had to be prioritised. He lamented stalled careers and players who later regretted coming.

There are currently no African players in the top flight, and barely a dozen have appeared since 1931. Nigerian Felix Orode joined San Lorenzo in 2009, later roamed the Ascenso and says he was treated well despite occasional sledging.

At grounds, some fans still chant negro towards black players, a term many locals use colloquially, without provoking action from the federation. Capi said tone can matter, but calling someone mono, meaning monkey, is plainly offensive.

After Javier Milei scrapped the anti-discrimination institute, activists warned of complacency. Capi wants an Africa United side and says an Albiceleste breakthrough may come only with the next generation.

Source: L'Équipe