Richarlison has demanded serious action be taken against those responsible for a shocking incident of racist abuse during Brazil’s game with Tunisia.
Tuesday night’s game, which finished 5-1 to Brazil, was played in Paris’ Parc des Princes with the episode occurring as the Tottenham striker celebrated scoring his team’s second goal of the game.
A banana was hurled at Richarlison, 25, from the stands - prompting outcry and the player to challenge the relevant authorities to improve their response to racist abuse.
He tweeted: “As long as [the authorities] stay ‘blah blah blah’ and don't punish [the racists], it will continue like this, happening every day and everywhere. No time, bro!”
Prior to the game, five-time world champions Brazil team had posed for photographs with an anti-racism banner which read: ‘Without our black players, we wouldn’t have stars on our shirts’.
Enquanto ficarem de "blá blá blá" e não punirem, vai continuar assim, acontecendo todos os dias e por todos os cantos. Sem tempo, irmão! #racismonão pic.twitter.com/p8GqMPqUKa
— Richarlison Andrade (@richarlison97) September 28, 2022
FIFA condemned the incident and confirmed that an investigation will take place.
A statement read: “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.”
Support from across football was sent to Richarlison.
Thiago Silva said: “It’s a shame, it’s difficult to see images like that. Unfortunately it seems that we can’t change people’s mentality.
“I hope they will realise that this doesn’t work, it’s the past, we have to change. Unfortunately, people continue with this mentality.”
The Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) stated after the game: “Unfortunately a banana was thrown on the pitch towards Richarlison, scorer of the second Brazilian goal.
“The CBF reinforces its position to combat racism and repudiates any manifestation of prejudice.”
