FIFA have opened investigation after Brazil forward Richarlison was racially abused in a friendly match against Tunisia.
FIFA are set to investigate the abuse of Brazilian forward Richarlison after a Banana was thrown him during their friendly against Tunisia.
Brazil defeated the Tunisia 5-1 in a friendly last night with the Tottenham forward on the score sheet.
During the match it was spotted that Banana was thrown at him when he ran towards the corner flag to celebrate the goal he scored.
According ro Skysports, Manchester United midfield Fred was seen kicking the banana away while other objects were also thrown onto the pitch.
FIFA, world football’s governing body, issued a statement on Wednesday: “First and foremost, FIFA strongly rejects any form of racism and violence and has a very clear zero tolerance stance against such behaviour in football.
“FIFA will investigate the incident in yesterday’s game in Paris.”
The Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) later issued a statement via Twitter condemning the abuse of Richarlison and calling for strong punishments.
It read: “After Brazil’s second goal, a banana was thrown towards Richarlison. The CBF reinforces its stance against discrimination and vehemently repudiates yet another episode of racism in football.
“Whether on or off the field, attitudes like this cannot be tolerated.”
Richarlison said racism would continue if there was no punishment handed out. “As long as they keep ‘blah blah blah’ and don’t punish, it’s going to continue like this, happening every day and in every corner,” he added.
Defender Thiago Silva also condemned the act. “I was saddened by the gesture they made because that’s not football,” he said. “Football is about supporting your team. Afterwards, on the pitch, we try to give our all for our national team. But gestures like that are not good for football.”
CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues: “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.”
