The Tottenham forward Richarlison believes racism will continue “every day and everywhere” unless punishment is handed out after a banana was thrown at him during Brazil’s friendly win over Tunisia in Paris on Tuesday.
The incident occurred when the former Everton player ran towards the corner flag to celebrate after scoring his side’s second goal in a 5-1 win at the Parc des Princes.
Footage showed Manchester United midfielder Fred kicking the banana away. Other objects were also thrown on to the pitch.
Translated from Portuguese, Richarlison posted on Twitter: “As long as they stay ‘blah blah blah’ and don’t punish, it’s going to continue like this, happening every day and everywhere. No time bro!”
The 25-year-old received plenty of messages of support on social media, including from his former clubs América Mineiro and Fluminense.
Richarlison scoring for Brazil today against Tunisia and a banana was thrown in front of him during the celebrations. Sickening stuff and no need for these type of racist fans at matches. pic.twitter.com/DQlKIBcMTm
— Roberto Rojas (@RobertoRojas97) September 27, 2022
Before 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.