Abiola Wabar: Basketball player suffered a torrent of racist abuse

Racism in Italy is not just confined to football stadiums. Such discrimination is a reflection of racism in wider society and the failure of the Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi’s Government to tackle these issues remains a significant weakness in the fight against racism.

While Government remains largely inactive inn the fight against racism at least Italians themselves have no such reticence. In a remarkable demonstrate of support thousands of sports fans are planning a spectacular protest against racism

Abiola Wabara a 30-year-old black woman plays basketball for Bracco Geas S.S Giovanni team in the A1 women’s league. Abiola suffered a volley of racist abuse whilst paying in the women’s league quarter final against Comense.

The scenes were reminiscent of Alabama during the 1960’s in the deep south of America. Abiola was subjected to a torrent of racist abuse throughout the game and was spat upon by the opposing fans.

Officials at the match did nothing as the abuse and hatred reigned down. However Federbasket the Italian basketball federation responded by calling a national day of action against racism across all of Italy’s basketball leagues.

The campaign has spawned creative and imaginative slogan. In a move that will surprise many here in the UK for its forthright response to racism all of the campaigns slogans being with “ I would like black skin “. There are now many of these slogans being used throughout the campaign as people add their own thoughts. Here are some examples;

“ I would like black skin so I can be like her and shout to the world our desire for freedom” Another reads

“ I would like black skin, or red, green, yellow. I would like to have al the colours of the soul”

There are calls for fans and players to show their opposition to racism by painting their faces black in a show of solidarity and support.

Whilst the Government shows a distinct lack of imagination in redressing racism the Italian people have demonstrated that are fully committed to supporting black players and opposing racism in sport.