Brazilian player Richarlison experienced racial slurs while representing his nation against Tunisia in a pre-World Cup warm-up game in Paris....CONTINUE READING
In a 5-1 victory at Parc des Princes, the striker was involved in the incident as he raced towards the corner flag to celebrate scoring his team’s second goal.
Later, the Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) issued a statement on Twitter, condemning Richarlison’s mistreatment and calling for harsh punishments.
The statements read: “After Brazil’s second goal, a banana was thrown towards Richarlison. The CBF reinforces its stance against discrimination and vehemently repudiates yet another episode of racism in football.
“Whether on or off the field, attitudes like this cannot be tolerated.”
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
As other objects were thrown onto the pitch, Manchester United midfielder Fred was seen on camera kicking the banana away.
The five-time defending world champions of Brazil posed for photos before the match while carrying a sign that read, “Without our black players, we wouldn’t have stars on our shirts,” in an effort to combat racism.
Nonetheless, Raphinha’s initial goal was cancelled out by Montassar Talbi, but Richarlison’s goal put Brazil back in the lead.
Following Tunisia’s dismissal of Dylan Bronn, Neymar added a penalty, Raphinha scored his second goal, and Pedro put the match beyond Tunisia’s reach.
Football should be free of racism since it is ruining the appeal of the game.
