The Brazilian was once again the target of abuse when a fan threw a banana at him during Sunday’s dramatic 3-2 win at Villarreal should be publicly shamed.
Alves responded by peeling it and taking a bite before taking the corner, a gesture that drew praise from the world of football and which has prompted people around to post photos of themselves eating bananas.
“If I could, I would put a photo of the fan on the internet so that he would be shamed,” said the 30-year-old, who also criticised Spain for its approach towards racism.
“There is racism against foreigners,” he said in an interview with Brazil’s Radio Globo.
“They sell the country as being first world but in certain things they are very backward.”
“I have been surprised by everyone’s support,” said Alves. “I did it without thinking. The world has evolved and we must evolve with it.”
