Scots Demand Brazil Apology

Neymar claimed Scottish fans had racially abused him. He was wrong.

Stewart Regan, the Scottish Football Association chief executive,  has demanded an apology from the Brazilian federation (CBF) for their suggestions that Scotland supporters racially abused Brazilian forward Neymar after the weekend friendly game between the two sides in London.

Neymar stated afterwards that he felt he had been subjected to racist behaviour, but this was robustly rebuffed by both the SFA and the Scottish Supporters Associated.

Arsenal, at whose ground the match was played, and the Metropolitan Police, concluded in their investigations that a banana found on the pitch was launched by a German man whose seat was in the area of the stadium where the Brazilian supporters were situated. They further concluded that no Scotland supporters were involved.

SFA exec Regan retaliated: “It is very disappointing that this episode threatened to overshadow an entertaining match, played amidst a real carnival atmosphere created by supporters of both teams.

“Scotland and Brazil have played many times over the years, each time in a colourful and friendly environment, and we feel that it’s necessary to draw a line under Sunday’s events.

“Scotland’s supporters were genuinely upset and annoyed that the unfounded allegations levelled against them threatened to sully their reputation as fair, good-humoured and respectful spectators.

“As the matter has been resolved, and Scotland supporters cleared of any involvement, we felt it was only right that we acted on behalf of our supporters to request an apology either from the player involved, or the Brazilian FA.”

Tags: Brazilian FA, Emirates Stadium, Neymar, Scotland Brazil, Scottish Football Association, Stewart Regan