Stunned Dani Alves thankful for support over racists

Published on: 30 April 2014
Stunned Dani Alves thankful for support over racists
Dani Alves

Dani Alves has been stunned by the support he received for his reaction to racist abuse during Barcelona's weekend clash with Villarreal, but hopes he has helped the fight against discrimination.

The Barca defender sparked a social media campaign against bigotry as scores of his fellow professionals showed their backing for his decision to eat a banana thrown at him by a Villarreal fan at El Madrigal.

Neymar, Mario Balotelli, Sergio Aguero, Luis Suarez and women's star Marta were among those who posted pictures of themselves taking bites out of bananas in tribute to Alves' actions in his side's match at Villarreal on Sunday.

Many other players as well as members of the public also praised Alves

He said: "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."

The 30-year-old, who has been the victim of racist abuse before during his 11 years in La Liga, added: " This kind of thing should not exist anywhere.

"We're in the 21st century, the world has evolved and we must evolve with it.

"I'm glad to have created this effect and hope it serves to put a stop to these types of attitudes."

Villarreal have banned the culprit for life.

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