Banana thrown at Tottenham’s Richarlison as Brazil beat Tunisia
The Tottenham forward Richarlison had a banana thrown at him as he was racially abused during Brazil’s friendly win over Tunisia in Paris on Tuesday.
The incident occurred as the former Everton striker ran towards the corner flag to celebrate scoring his side’s second goal in their 5-1 win at the Parc des Princes. Footage showed Manchester United midfielder Fred kicking the banana away.
Prior to the game, the five-time world champions posed for photographs with an anti-racism banner which read: “Without our black players, we wouldn’t have stars on our shirts.”
The Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) issued a statement on the Richarlison incident via Twitter. It read: “Unfortunately a banana was thrown on the pitch towards Richarlison, scorer of the second Brazilian goal.
“The CBF reinforces its position to combat racism and repudiates any manifestation of prejudice.”
The CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues added: “Once again, I come publicly to express my rejection. This time I saw it with my own eyes. This shocks us. We must always remember that we are all the same, regardless of colour, race or religion.
“The fight against racism is not a cause, but a fundamental (battle for) change to wipe this type of crime from the planet. I insist on saying that the punishments need to be more severe.”
Richarlison’s goal put Brazil back ahead after Montassar Talbi cancelled out Raphinha’s opener. Neymar added a penalty, Raphinha claimed his second and Pedro wrapped up the scoring after Tunisia had Dylan Bronn sent off.