Bananas in the News

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/scotland/9438033.stm

I don't see color. I just see 'banana'.

Highlights from the article featuring direct statements about the banana:

"A Brazilian press officer confirmed a banana had been thrown on the pitch. "

"But a memorable day for the 19-year-old was soured by the incident involving the banana.

Neymar had been booed by Scotland fans after a lengthy spell of treatment for a first half injury, but it is not certain who threw the banana as the fruit apparently came from a section of the ground largely populated by Brazilian supporters. "

"He later added that he had not seen the banana being thrown but saw it on the ground next to him as he was near the touchline."

"Brazil midfielder Lucas Leiva is said to have removed the banana from the pitch and the Liverpool midfielder added: "There is no more space for racism in the world. They say it's the first world here in Europe, but it's where it happens the most. "

"None of the BBC Scotland staff present were aware of a banana being on the pitch and there were no reports of racist chanting. "

So, I googled for 'banana thrown soccer' and found this enlightening comment:

http://forum.wordreference.com/showthread.php?t=164262

Old 5th June 2006, 03:29 PM
Fernando Fernando is offline
Senior Member

Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Madrid
Native language: Spain, Spanish
Posts: 5,898
Re: Racism in European Football (Soccer and the World Cup)
I do not consider the football is specially racist. In the Spanish case, the trainer was not referring to an African. If I recall correctly, he was referring to a French. As he pointed out he is a friend of several black players (Samuel Eto'o from Cameroon, as an example). Anyway I consider he should not have said that.

People insult the other people's team, saying them:

- Sons of a ...
- Balds (if they are)
- their sexual attributes are small
- their sexual attributes are far too big
- they have no sexual apetite
- They are homosexuals
- They have too much sexual apetite
- they are short
- they are tall

Most times, THEY HAVE black players in their teams and they do not even notice. It is just another way to insult.

Do I enjoy it? No. But that is why I do not use to go to any crowd: The crowd is dumb. By definition.

Thank you, Fernando, for filling in some context.