Neymar (centre) scored both goals at Brazil eased to victory against Scotland
Brazil star Neymar claims racist abuse at Scotland game
Brazil striker Neymar is at the centre of a racism row after saying a banana was thrown at him during the 2-0 friendly win over Scotland.
A Brazilian press officer confirmed a banana had been thrown on the pitch.
"This atmosphere of racism is totally sad," Neymar told a Brazilian TV station. "We leave our country to play here and something like this happens."
But the Scottish FA said: "There has been no such incident reported to the police or the stadium safety officer."
The spokesman added: "In fact, the tens of thousands of Scotland supporters who travelled to the Emirates were commended for their behaviour.
"The Scotland supporters are known the world over for their impeccable behaviour and we have no reason to believe that, after speaking to the relevant authorities, they have been anything other than exemplary.
"The Scotland fans helped create a wonderful spectacle inside the Emirates and throughout London and should be applauded for their support."
Neymar, who scored both of Brazil's goals at the Emirates Stadium and is a reported target for many leading European clubs, made it three goals in three games for Brazil in a very one-sided affair in London.
But a memorable day for the 19-year-old was soured by the incident involving the banana.
Neymar had been booed by Scotland fans after a lengthy spell of treatment for a first half injury, but it is not certain who threw the banana as the fruit apparently came from a section of the ground largely populated by Brazilian supporters.
"They were jeering me a lot, even when I was about to kick the penalty the entire stadium was jeering," added Neymar.
"It's sad. I would rather not even talk about it, to keep the subject from escalating."
He later added that he had not see the banana being thrown but saw it on the ground next to him as he was near the touchline.
 | There is no more space for racism in the world. They say it's the first world here in Europe, but it's where it happens the most
Lucas Leiva
Brazil & Liverpool |
"I'm not going to worry about it too much," said the striker.
"It was a marvellous day and certainly one to remember."
Brazil midfielder Lucas Leiva is said to have removed the banana from the pitch and the Liverpool midfielder added: "There is no more space for racism in the world. They say it's the first world here in Europe, but it's where it happens the most.
"That has to change. Everybody is equal today, it's a matter of respect."
Brazil head coach Mano Menezes admitted he hadn't seen the incident.
"I didn't see that," Menezes said. "We didn't have the displeasure of watching it. If it happened, it is lamentable but we don't have confirmation of the event."
Scotland manager Craig Levein added: "I don't know anything about that."
Scottish FA president George Peat, who was also unaware of the incident, condemned any such action "without a doubt".
He said: "That's a sad state if that's true. That's an extremely unusual incident, that, if it happened."
None of the BBC Scotland staff present were aware of a banana being on the pitch and there were no reports of racist chanting.
Meanwhile, Menezes believes Neymar, who has been linked with Real Madrid and Chelsea, would improve if he moved to England but would be a loss to the fans in Brazil.
"I think that could only be good for Neymar as it would be a confirmation of his development," he said.
"English football would make him stronger and help to escape strong marking.
"I don't see any problem.
"But Brazil fans will be deprived of watching a good player."
Menezes was diplomatic when asked if any of the Scottish players had impressed him.
"Scotland does not depend on individuals, it is a collective work," he responded.
"They had players missing like Darren Fletcher, who is important for Scotland and Manchester United, so they certainly have good individual players some of whom play in England.
"But Brazil controlled the game well so we could not see anything of their individual players."
