Banana thrown at Brazilian players in a friendly against Tunisia in Paris

A banana was thrown from the crowd at Brazilian players celebrating a goal during a friendly against Tunisia in Paris on Tuesday.

Striker Richarlison had just scored the team’s second goal in a 5-1 victory at the Parc des Princes when the banana was thrown towards him and the other celebrating Brazilians near one of the corner flags. What appeared to be a water bottle and another object were also thrown at them.

Brazil were using the game to make a statement against racism, with players posing before kick-off in front of a sign that read: ‘Without our black players we wouldn’t have stars on our shirts’ – a reference to the five stars above the team crest which represents their five World Cup titles.

The president of the federation said he was shocked by what happened.

« The punishment for these actions must be more severe, » said Ednaldo Rodrigues.

Brazilian media said stadium security personnel tried unsuccessfully to identify the person who threw the banana on the pitch.