Quick-Thinking Brazilian Soccer Player Embarrasses Racist with Humor

Well played, Dani Alves.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylMfERo60jc

(CNN) Barcelona’s Dani Alves reverted to humor when dealing with racist abuse but it has proved no laughing matter for the Villarreal fan who threw a banana at him during Sunday’s match after being handed a life ban by the La Liga club.

Villarreal issued a statement Monday saying it “deeply regrets” the incident. “The club has identified the person responsible and has decided to withdraw his membership card and prohibit access to the El Madrigal Stadium for life,” it added.

Brazilian international Alves was taking a corner during Barca’s 3-2 win when the banana landed at his feet. Maintaining his composure, Alves picked up the banana, peeled it and took a bite and got on with the game.

“Dani Alves owned him,” tweeted the Brazilian’s teammate Neymar. “Take That bunch of Racists. We are all Monkeys So What.”

Alves later tweeted:

Meu pai sempre me falava: filho come banana que evita cãibra rsrs, como adivinharam isso? hahaha

Translated: My father always taught me to eat bananas to prevent cramps.