A banana was thrown at Brazil’s Richarlison during the team’s 5-1 friendly win over Tunisia.
Forward Richarlison had just scored the team’s second goal in a 5-1 win at Parc des Princes when the banana was hurdled toward him and the other Brazilians celebrating near one of the corner flags.
Footage showed Manchester United midfielder Fred kicking the banana away. What appeared to be a water bottle and another object also were thrown toward them.
Brazil was using the match to make a statement against racism, with the players posing before kickoff in front of a sign that said: “Without our black players, we wouldn’t have stars on our shirt” — a reference to the five stars above the team crest that represents its five World Cup titles.
The Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) issued a statement on the Richarlison incident via Twitter. It read: “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.”
The CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues added: “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.”
Brazilian media said stadium security personnel unsuccessfully tried to identify the person who threw the banana onto the field.
