By Betsefy
Tottenham Hotspur attacker Richarlison was the subject of racist abuse after scoring in Brazil‘s 5-1 international friendly win over Tunisia on Tuesday night.
The 25-year-old had struck a brace in a 3-0 win over Ghana four days before the showdown with Tunisia, and he was trusted to lead the line by Tite at the Parc des Princes.
Brazil took the lead through Raphinha after just 11 minutes before Montassar Talbi levelled for Tunisia not long after, but Richarlison responded quickly to put his side 2-1 up in the 19th minute.
The Tottenham man ran to the corner flag to celebrate, but in doing so, a banana was thrown onto the pitch in his direction, which Manchester United’s Fred kicked away.
Richarlison did not react to the despicable gesture at the Parc des Princes, although he pointed the finger at the authorities after the game, during which Neymar and Pedro also scored in a comprehensive win for Brazil.
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“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!” Richarlison posted on social media.
Prior to kickoff in the French capital, Brazil players took a stand against racist abuse with a banner reading: “Without our black players, we wouldn’t have stars on our shirts.”
Richarlison’s compatriot and fellow attacker Vinicius Junior was also the subject of racist abuse during Real Madrid’s derby win over Atletico Madrid, as chants of “monkey” were heard outside the Wanda Metropolitano.
Vinicius had previously been blasted for his dancing celebration, which led to an outpouring of support from players and fans alike, and Brazil released their own statement on Tuesday’s incident after the game.
“Unfortunately, after the action [goal], a banana was thrown on the lawn towards Richarlison, author of the second Brazilian goal. CBF reinforces its position to combat racism and repudiates any prejudiced manifestation,” the statement read.
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Before being taken off at half time, Richarlison also claimed an assist for Raphinha’s second goal on the night, while Chelsea’s Thiago Silva completed the full 90 minutes at the home of his old club Paris Saint-Germain.
The 38-year-old was among those to demand change after the banana-throwing incident, telling the press: “It’s a shame and it’s difficult to see such images. I don’t know if the videos against racism that we had prepared were shown on the screens.
“But things like this keep happening… Unfortunately, we can’t change anything about people’s mentality. I hope that the public will be aware that this is not acceptable and that it belongs to the past. We have to change.”
Richarlison has now scored 17 goals and set up seven more in 38 appearances for Brazil in all competitions, and he has begun life at Tottenham with two goals and two assists from eight outings.
The ex-Everton man will return to domestic action with the Lilywhites in Saturday’s North London derby with Arsenal at the Emirates, with Spurs sat one point behind the league leaders at present.
