‘Migration reaction is only shock to culture’

The Maltese reaction to the migration issue is not racist but one of culture shock, according to a former Nigerian footballer who has been living in Malta for the past 15 years. “The Maltese are going through a cultural shock. Malta has no black culture or black history and people tend to despise what they don’t understand. “So while there are a few with extreme views on anything alien, in general I don’t think the race war has begun in Malta,” Damian Iriele, 35, told Times of Malta. His comments came after the US State Department warned American citizens travelling to Malta to be careful while in Paceville, particularly due to “racially motivated” violence. Although Mr Iriele admits the warning should not be ignored, he feels the situation was a bit exaggerated: “You have to understand the mindset of the Maltese and the present migration situation, which has given rise to xenophobic sentiments and stereotypical perceptions.” Mr Iriele, who has a Masters in Diplomatic Studies, moved to Malta some 15 years ago as a professional footballer. He has been stopped a couple of times from entering bars in Paceville and if conversation does not work, he goes to another pub, he said. But...