IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Barcelona soccer player responds to racial taunt

Defender Dani Alves responded to a spectator's so-called racial taunt during a game on Sunday by eating a banana thrown at him before proceeding with the game.
Barcelona's Dani Alves and Villarreal's Giovani Dos Santos fight for the ball during their Spanish first division soccer match at the Madrigal stadium in Villarreal on April 27, 2014.
Barcelona's Dani Alves and Villarreal's Giovani Dos Santos fight for the ball during their Spanish first division soccer match at the Madrigal stadium in Villarreal on April 27, 2014.
By Michele Richinick, Michele Richinick

A Barcelona soccer player responded to so-called racism by removing the taunting evidence.

A spectator threw a banana at defender Dani Alves during a game Sunday in Villarreal, Spain, ESPN reported. Alves then picked up the fruit from the field, peeled back the outer covering, and ate it before taking a corner kick.

"We have suffered this in Spain for some time," Alves said in a statement. "You have to take it with a dose of humor. We aren't going to change things easily. If you don't give it importance, they don't achieve their objective."

Barcelona won the match 3-2 against the Villarreal Spanish Club.

ESPN also reported that Alves endured similar racism last year when fans of Real Madrid abused him with monkey chants during a soccer match.