Football: Dani Alves takes bite out of banana racism

Barcelona's Brazilian defender Dani Alves in action during the Spanish league football match against Villarreal CF at El Madrigal stadium in Villarreal on April 27, 2014. -- PHOTO: AFP
Barcelona's Brazilian defender Dani Alves in action during the Spanish league football match against Villarreal CF at El Madrigal stadium in Villarreal on April 27, 2014. -- PHOTO: AFP

MADRID (AFP) - Barcelona full-back Dani Alves had a banana thrown at him as he took a corner in his side's match at Villarreal on Sunday, April 27, 2014 - and decided to eat it.

The Brazilian picked up the banana and took a bite out of it before continuing on with the game.

Alves has been a regular target of racist abuse during his 11 years in Spain with both Sevilla and Barcelona.

"I have been in Spain 11 years and it has been the same for 11 years. You have to laugh at these backward people," he said.

"We are not going to change it, so you have to take it almost as a joke and laugh at them."

"Utterly brilliant reaction from Alves. Treat the racist berk with complete disdain!" tweeted former England international Gary Lineker who once played for Barcelona.

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.