Felix Afena-Gyan (©Gallo Images)
Felix Afena-Gyan (©Gallo Images)

Inside jokes can sure be misinterpreted - 'bananas' comments do not insult the Ghanaian startlet

Reading Time: 3min | Thu. 25.11.21. | 13:00

When you are not familiar with the background - the comment and the 'dance, dance' certainly do not sound appropriate

Rasicm is out there, no doubt about it. Shallow and malicious characters will use any opportunity to belittle people of different race and colour of skin. However, there are also cases of overreacting and misinterpretation.

Last night, you could even see a journalist confronting Jurgen Klopp for allegedly offending the whole African continent and the AFCON. German manager explained it was an ironic statement and a figure of speech as can be heard often in the English language ('there is that little thing called...').

Another case of walking the thin line of rasicm hit the social media and it is coming from Rome, Italy. At first - the scene of Jose Mourinho gifting expensive shoes to Felix Afena-Gyan is heartwarming. Portuguese manager made a promise to the Ghanaian youngster before Roma's clash against Genoa in which the African player scored twice displaying his boisterous talent - the Special One put his money where his mouth is.

Even so, in the video of the gifting that was shared online, there was a voice in the background, from an as yet unidentified person, who commented 'there are bananas inside'.

Afena-Gyan was also asked by a voice behind the camera to dance and the footballer did so. It is a pretty uncomfortable situation when watched and listened from the side and a number of fans picked up on the comments and used the social media to give their thoughts - seeing the whole situation as clearly racist.

However, Afena-Gyan expresses there was any malice behind what was said while he was receiving the gift.

'I want to assure you all that I was not offended by the background comment made in the video in any way – and that I truly believe there was no racist intent.', footballer said on Instagram.

'Since the first day I arrived at the club, I have been welcomed into the family by everyone, who have joked with me like they do all members of the family.

'Because they see that I eat bananas a lot that has become a thing we laugh about sometimes – and I believe the comment was another example of that.

'I feel at home here at Roma and I have done ever since I arrived. I am grateful for the support I have received from everyone here at Trigoria and don't like to think that people have got the wrong idea about things.

'Thanks for your concern, now let's get back to concentrating on the next game. Grazie and Forza Roma.', the 18-year-old concluded.



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Felix Afena-GyanAS Roma

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