No escape from racism: migrant team in Spain dons insults

MADRID – A Spanish soccer team heavily composed of migrants has found a novel way to protest against the racist abuse the players have received.

The players of Alma de Africa — Spanish for ‘Soul of Africa’ — have decided to don shirts that have the insults hurled at them printed on their back instead of their names.

The team is based in the southern Spanish city of Jérez de la Frontera and plays in a minor regional competition.

In addition to locals, the team includes players from Nigeria, Cameroon, Guinea Equatorial, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Mauritania, Senegal, Ghana, Burkina Faso and Togo.

The club says its mission is “to promote a better quality of life for young African immigrants residing in Jérez de la Frontera and the intercultural harmony of its citizenry.”