Brazil’s 5-1 win over Tunisia at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday was overshadowed by a racist incident after a banana was thrown at Tottenham Hotspur’s Richarlison.
After Montassar Talbi scored the equaliser for Tunisia in the 18th minute, Seleção regained their lead a minute later, when the Spurs forward found the back of the net.
During the celebrations, a banana was thrown from the stands at the Tottenham star.
The Confederação Brasileira de Futebol [Brazilian football association], on their official website, state the 25-year-old was racially abused by a ‘supporter of the opposing team’. The CBF president, Ednaldo Rodrigues, was in the stands when the incident took place.
“This time, I saw it with my own eyes. This shocks us. We must always remember that we are all the same, no matter what colour, race or religion,” Ednaldo said.
“The fight against racism is not a cause, it is a fundamental change to sweep this type of crime from the entire planet. I insist that the punishments need to be more severe.”
Richarlison was unaware of the incident, while he was celebrating his goal with his Brazil teammates. After the tie, the player asked for punishment for the fan.
“I hope they recognise this fan and punish him. It’s difficult. There was the Vinicius Junior case recently and now it happens inside the stadium. I hope he gets punished, and it serves as a lesson for other people not to do this,” the Tottenham player stressed.
“We are sad at this moment. I hope they can recognise this guy and he is punished to set an example so that it doesn’t happen.
“I didn’t see it at the time, thank God, because I was hot-headed and I don’t know what could happen. I hope this guy gets punished.”
Richarlison’s thoughts are also echoed by Brazil manager Tite.
“Football is not worth everything. Stadium is not for doing what you want. The process of punishment and identification must also be inside the stadium, with the fans,” Tite explained.
