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Neymar racism claim overshadows Brazil win
Brazil stroll to victory over Scotland, but banana mystery leads to accusation of racism
Brazil beat Scotland 2-0 in their friendly at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon but the victory was overshadowed by accusations of racism from the Tartan Army.
Brazil striker Neymar (above), who scored both the goals in the regulation win, claimed a banana was thrown at him at one point during the match.
"I was running down the touchline in the second half and saw the banana but I didn't see where it came from. The fans were jeering me a lot. This atmosphere of racism is totally sad," Neymar said later in an interview with a Brazilian TV station.
"We leave our country to play here and something like this happens."
However, the Scottish Football Accusation refuted the allegations of the 19-year-old Neymar, saying in a statement: "There has been no such incident reported to the police or the stadium safety officer. In fact, the tens of thousands of Scotland supporters who travelled to the Emirates were commended for their behaviour.
"The Scotland supporters are known the world over for their impeccable behaviour and we have no reason to believe that, after speaking to the relevant authorities, they have been anything other than exemplary."
Hamish Husband of the Tartan Army Association also rubbished the idea that Scotland fans were guilty of racism, describing Neymar's assertions as "absolute tosh".
He added: "The only reason Neymar was booed was because we believed he was feigning injury."
The injury happened in the first half and it was while Neymar was receiving treatment that the banana was thrown onto the pitch. Curiously, however, according to the BBC the fruit "came from a section of the ground largely populated by Brazilian supporters".
The offending banana was removed by Brazil midfielder Lucas Leiva who said later: "There is no more space for racism in the world. They say it's the first world here in Europe, but it's where it happens the most. That has to change. Everybody is equal today, it's a matter of respect."
As for the game itself, Brazil had little trouble in seeing off the challenge of Scotland with Neymar doing his reputation no harm with an assured displayed. With Chelsea said to be lining up a £30m offer for the teenager, Neymar showed what he can do with a crisp strike on 42 minutes that beat Allan McGregor.
He scored his second midway during the second half after being brought down by Charlie Adam as he closed in on the second goal. Referee Howard Webb called penalty and Neymar made no mistake with the spot kick.
Afterwards Brazil head coach Mano Menezes agreed a spell at Chelsea might not be a bad thing for his gifted youngaster. "Moving to England would only be good for Neymar and make him a more complete player," he said.
"He'd become physically stronger to escape the close marking he is going to get and he certainly wouldn't disappear if he came to England." ·
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The banana came from the area behind the goal almost exclusively populated by Brazil fans. There is no way of telling who through the fruitâ??or why even. But this assumption that it was from Scotland fans is a disgrace.
Neymar was booed all game by the Scotland fans for his play-acting when tackledâ??NOT for the colour of his skin. In fact, did anyone else who was at the game, Brazilian, Scottish or otherwise, hear or see anything that could be considered racist from a Scottish supporter? If so, Iâ??ll join you in condemnation.
Scotland supporters have an impecable reputation around the world for their behaviour. It was a fantastic day, and their was a real carnival atmosphere as the Scottish and Brazil supporters mingled in the streets and bars. The London Police and stewards at the stadium commended the traveling support from Scotland, and having myself travelled for thirty years to Scotland games home and away I have never heard one racist comment.
Neymar owes the Scottish supporters an apology. There is no place for racism in footballâ??and there is no place for racism in the Tartan Army either. Neymar has been too quick to judge, and in doing so is simply mistaken. The accusation of rasicm however has tarnished the reputation of the Scotland fans. Neymar needs to put this right.