Barcelona defender Dani Alves took a bite out of racism, literally this weekend. The Brazillian was about to take a corner during Barcelona’s 3-2 win at Villareal on Sunday when a fan threw a banana at him.
Rather than responding to the obvious racist gesture as many players would, and have in similar situations over the years, Alves decided to pick up the banana, peel it, and take a bite. He then proceeded to take the corner kick.
Alves move, was met with laughter from many, and has made a mockery of the fan who was trying to insult him. It was extremely effective in making his point, and bringing attention to the foolishness of the racist act by being replayed on sports and news stations around the globe.
After the match, Alves said humour was the best way to combat racism in sport.
“We have suffered this in Spain for some time,” Alves said Sunday. “You have to take it with a dose of humour. We aren’t going to change things easily. If you don’t give it importance, they don’t achieve their objective.”
He is receiving support and praise from around the footy world now.
“Barcelona wishes to express its complete support and solidarity with our first-team player Dani Alves, following the insults he was subject to from a section of the crowd at El Madrigal on Sunday,” the Spanish league champions said Monday in a statement. “Barcelona urges all clubs to continue fighting against the blight on the game which any kind of aggression against a sportsperson on the basis of their race represents.”
Barcelona teammate Neymar posted a photo of himself on Instagram holding a peeled banana alongside his son, who was holding a doll that resembled a banana.
The trend isn’t limited to his Barca teammates though.
Argentinian striker, and Manchester City player Sergio Aguero and Brazil women’s striker Marta both posed for photos while biting into bananas, and former Brazil international Roberto Carlos also posted a photo of himself with the fruit.
Villareal has found the season ticket holder who threw the banana and has banned the offender for life from attending future matches.
In January 2013, Alves said that combating racism in Spain was fighting a losing battle after he was taunted with “monkey chants” in a game at Real Madrid.
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