Neymar claims racial abuse
Reuters - Sunday 27 March 2011, 17:13
LONDON - A banana was thrown on to the
pitch towards Brazil striker Neymar during Sunday's 2-0 friendly
win over Scotland at Emirates Stadium.
The 19-year-old, who scored both goals, had been regularly
jeered by Scotland fans unhappy at what they considered his
feigning of injury in the early stages.
He said he did not see the banana being thrown, but saw it on
the ground next to him as he was near the touchline.
"It's sad that these things happen but I'm not going to
worry about it too much," Neymar told Reuters.
"It was a marvellous day and certainly one to remember."
Brazil coach Mano Menezes said he had not seen the incident
but that if it had happened it was "lamentable."
Midfielder Lucas Leiva, who plays in England for Liverpool,
told Brazil's Globo TV Sports channel: "There is no room for
racism nowadays.
"Europe, which is considered the first world, is the place
where this thing happens more. Today, colour and race shouldn't
mean anything."
Last week former Brazil defender Roberto Carlos had a banana
thrust towards him as he prepared to play for Russian club
Anzhi Makhachkala against Zenit St Petersburg.