He developed his career in modest Catalan, Valencian and Murcian football. Always with the threat of racism. Alberto Edjogo now takes advantage of his current professional stage, for a decade in the media, to raise his voice.
What was your experience with racism as a player?
My generation believed that I had to resist to play football. You couldn’t be weak. The insult didn’t matter. My father protected and educated me, saying that he should give more for my race. The first time I saw that it was different was in kindergarten. A colleague told me ‘Shut up, you stupid black man’. It was shocking.
Have you suffered many cases of racism in football?
On the Hercules field a group made monkey cries. In Orihuela the police closed the door to avoid incidents. In Tortosa an older person told me ‘You came in a boat’. And the last one was in Roses. That day I decided it was my last year. It wasn’t key, but it was the last straw.
Which was the most serious?
In Valencia in 2008. He was a teammate of Edwin Congo. A crowd let out serious insults. The referee told me ‘What do we do?’ We thought we should live with it and I jokingly told Congo ‘You are blacker, this is for you.’ Later I saw that it was a serious mistake.
Did it affect your performance?
We were designed like this. I don’t think it conditioned me.
And outside of football?
Racism arises from conflict. In a normal environment I have experienced very little racism.
Why is there more in football?
Because of the tension. They poorly manage emotions and frustration. Other sports need a common space, football can be played in the street. Since there is no such culture, everyone interprets it in their own way.
Are there fewer cases now?
There are fewer but with more impact. There is fear of being recorded. There is also more racial mixing. If someone close to you suffers, you stop.
Is Spain racist?
No, but there are racist attitudes. I don’t know if there is more than in other places. Spain is welcoming, but sometimes if you integrate differently, racism emerges. Your social class also influences. If an elite athlete suffers from it, what is someone of another race not going to receive in a complicated environment.
What solution do you see in football?
The values ??come from home, even if campaigns are carried out. It is important for teammates and rivals to tell their fans that it is wrong. I also see that the fans themselves point out the racists. And ultimately the punishment. The media must be rigorous and not heated so that the deepest part of the people comes out.
What should the player who is insulted do?
Asking for clarity and a good decision from a twenty-something footballer who is many times away is unfair.
What do you think of the Vinícius case?
His management of success is debatable. Now, nothing justifies being called a fucking monkey. Saying that this makes him nervous is not worth it. Since he does not behave according to the usual canons, he launched the insult. You cannot lower his case because of his attitude because in some way you agree with the racists. Any reaction to racism is justified. Outside of racism, I would like another attitude because it would be a great reference. He is young and manages it as he can.
Do you think Cheikh Sarr’s sanction is fair?
I’m missing information. The system is made so that if the insults are not heard, it is left that he jumped into the stands. It is a dangerous precedent because you legitimize insults.
