#WeAreAllMonkeys: stars unite to say ‘no to racism’

Images of Alves picking up a banana and taking a bite in Barcelona’s game away to Villarreal went viral on Sunday.

Neymar, Mario Balotelli, Sergio Aguero and women’s star Marta were among those who posted pictures of themselves eating a banana in tribute to Alves’ actions.

Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, model Adriana Lima, and Alves’ girlfriend and sister also took part. The images were posted alongside #SayNoToRacism and #WeAreAllMonkeys.

‘Spontaneous reaction’

The Brazil international admitted he was taken aback by the response. “All the support has surprised me,” he said

“It was a super-spontaneous reaction I made without thinking about the repercussions.”

The Brazil international explained to Radio Globo: “My reaction was to pick it up and take a bite. It wasn’t pre-planned, because I couldn’t imagine that a banana would be thrown onto the pitch.

“I think a negative attitude has to be met with a positive one. That makes more difference than trying to fight in a different way.”

Villarreal revealed on Monday evening that they had, with the help of fans, found out who the culprit was, had withdrawn his season ticket and banned him from the El Madrigal stadium for life.

Fifa President Sepp Blatter branded the abuse directed at Alves an “outrage” and promised zero tolerance towards discrimination at the World Cup, while Barcelona also condemned the incident while giving Alves their full backing.

Alves added: “Football is a place of fun. It’s where you support your team and you can take your children, family and friends to share the moment. Vulgar actions should not exist. We have to respect each other.”

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