The Hindu : Sport / Football : Neymar says he will not apologise

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Neymar says he will not apologise

SAO PAULO: Brazilian striker Neymar said on Friday he wouldn't apologise to Scottish fans after claiming he was the victim of racism in last Sunday's friendly international in London.

Neymar made the claim after a banana was thrown onto to the pitch while he also accused Scottish fans of racist abuse after being repeatedly jeered during the match at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium.

Brazil won 2-0 and the young star scored both goals — but the racism allegation soured the occasion.

The Scottish Football Association (SFA) on Thursday demanded an apology after police later revealed the fruit was thrown by a German tourist who had “no racist intent.”

SFA chief Stewart Regan also wrote to the Brazilian federation to seek an apology.

But Neymar was adamant he had nothing to say sorry for.

“At no time, not even at the end of the match ... did I accuse any person, or group of fans, of any nationality of having committed this act,” Neymar said on his website.

“I did say I regretted this action and I condemn and discriminatory action — but I reiterate I did not point the finger at anyone. So I don't understand why I should retract my comments,” he said.

Neymar, who stars for Santos and who has already turned down an early bid from Chelsea for his talents, did say, however, that he had spent the day after the match in London and that “I have only praise for the way we were treated everywhere we went”.

He added that he considered the racism incident a “closed case”. — AFP

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