What they make it up as they go along
I was pondering it. It's a very interesting point.Would you imply that anyone recognising this or dared to raise the subject s a Racist.
"African" is itself not a racist or abusive term (African American) any more than "South American/Brazilian" or whatever.
Although it is the modern way to counter any comments about certain races/religions with the demonising "racist".
I suppose it was quickly jumped on because it was Roger so a safe bet that it was a racist comment.