So it was with some interest that I heard about a new talented player who is part of the Brazil team. Neymar who is just 19 was the goal scorer in a recent match between Brazil and Scotland.
Unfortunately during the match Neymar experienced a racist attack. A banana was thrown onto the pitch and some fans were booing while he was on the ball. His team mate, a man who also plays for English team Liverpool, removed the banana from the pitch and later said to reporters from Brazilian TV "There is no more space for racism in the world.Europe is where it happens the most. That has to change, everybody is equal today and it's a matter of respect."
Neymar also spoke to the press and complained about his treatment - all in a very reasonable and calm manner. You can see his comments here.
The issue was investigated and it was agreed that some fans were booing. It also transpired that it was a German student who through the banana.
However in a massively insensitive move the Scottish FA have asked for an apology from Neymar or the Brazilian FA.
Yes you read that correctly. They are not giving him an apology. They are asking him for an apology - because he happened to mention in calm tones to a journalist that he'd experienced a racist attack. He didn't claim all Scottish fans were racist, he didn't blame anyone in particular. He didn't ask for revenge. He merely stated that he felt the 'atmosphere of racism was sad'.
This is part of the statement from the Scottish FA.
SFA chief executive Stewart Regan said "the unfounded allegations" threatened the good reputation of Scottish fans.
An investigation by Arsenal, in whose stadium the friendly match was played, and the Metropolitan Police concluded that no Scot was involved in the banana-throwing incident, while match commander Mark Sheeran praised the Tartan Army's conduct.
"The Scottish fans' behaviour was first class," he said. "There were no issues at all inside the stadium."
In an SFA statement, Regan added: "It is very disappointing that this episode threatened to overshadow an entertaining match, played amidst a real carnival atmosphere created by supporters of both teams.
"Scotland and Brazil have played many times over the years, each time in a colourful and friendly environment, and we feel that it's necessary to draw a line under Sunday's events.
"Scotland's supporters were genuinely upset and annoyed that the unfounded allegations levelled against them threatened to sully their reputation as fair, good humoured and respectful spectators.
"As the matter has been resolved, and Scotland supporters cleared of any involvement, we felt it was only right that we acted on behalf of our supporters to request an apology either from the player involved, or the Brazilian FA."
OK number one, if you think it's necessary to draw a line under the event - why not do just that. Don't mention it again.
Secondly who cares if the nationality of the person who threw the banana was German. Clearly he was sat amongst the Scottish supporters, so how could anyone have known that he wasn't Scottish when the incident occurred.
Thirdly, why the heck should Neymar have to apologise for an attack that happened to him. It did happen, it was on camera and it was clearly a racist attack. He should be the one who is receiving the apologies, not giving them.
This is a sad day for football.
Neymar should not apologize, and I hope he does not. Racism still exists in this world, and I hate it.
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting this; another news item I would not have known otherwise, living across the pond.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
J.