CNN
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Brazil’s impressive finish to their World Cup preparations was marred by racial abuse when striker Richarlison was pelted with a banana by a fan in Tuesday’s 5-1 win over Tunisia in Paris.
The Tottenham Hotspur star scored Brazil’s second goal but as he celebrated he was thrown with a banana, among other things. Teammate Fred was then seen kicking the banana off the field.
After the game, Richarlison tweeted: “As long as they stay ‘bla blah blah’ and don’t punish it will continue like this, every day, everywhere. No time brother! #racism [racism no].”
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) released a statement condemning the perpetrator’s actions and calling for stronger action against racism.
“Unfortunately, Richarlison, the scorer of Brazil’s second goal, had a banana thrown onto the field,” read a CBF statement on Twitter.
“CBF reaffirms its position on combating racism and rejects any expression of prejudice.”
CBF President Ednaldo Rodrigues later added: “This time I saw it with my own eyes. That shocks us. We must always remember that we are all equal regardless of color, race or religion.
“The fight against racism is not a cause but a fundamental change to sweep this type of crime off the planet. I insist on saying the penalties must be more severe.”
CNN Senior Sports Analyst Darren Lewis tweeted: “Football has always known that you tackle racism by docking points and kicking clubs/countries out of competitions. zero tolerance.
“Until then, the players should be walking. Surely they will one day recognize their commercial power and take action across the board.”
Before kick-off, Brazil’s players posed in front of a sign that read ‘Without our black players, we wouldn’t have stars on our jersey’. The stars refer to the record five World Cup titles won by Brazil.
The players made the statement in response to the racist slurs that Brazilian winger Vinicius Jr. had experiences from Atletico Madrid fans in the Madrid derby.
The Real Madrid star was subjected to abusive chants, including monkey chants, before and during the game.
“They say luck interferes,” Vinicius said of his experience. “The luck of a victorious black Brazilian in Europe is much more disturbing.
“But my will to win, my smile and the sparkle in my eyes are much greater. You can’t even imagine. I was the victim of a xenophobic and racist comment. But none of this started yesterday.
“Weeks ago they started criminalizing my dances. Dances that aren’t mine.
“They belong to Ronaldinho, Neymar, [Lucas] paqueta, [Antoine] Griezmann, Joao Felix, Matheus Cunha… they belong to Brazilian funk and samba artists, reggaeton singers and black Americans.
“These are dances to celebrate the cultural diversity of the world. Accept it, respect it. I will not stop.”
Other players such as compatriot Gabriel Jesus had already raised the issue of Vinicius’ abuse. The Arsenal forward paid tribute to his Brazilian team-mate by showing Vinicius’ celebration as he scored against Brentford 10 days ago.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino attended the game at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday.
“FIFA firmly rejects any form of racism and violence and takes a clear zero-tolerance position towards such behavior in football,” said world football’s governing body on Wednesday.
“FIFA will investigate the incident at yesterday’s game in Paris.”
The Tunisian Football Federation has not responded to CNN’s request for comment.