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BANANA PEELER: Alves takes a bite

POLICE IN Spain have arrested a man in connection to the racist incident in which a banana was thrown at Barcelona right-back Dani Alves who proceeded to peel the fruit and take a bite.

According to local reports, a 26-year-old Villarreal fan was arrested and has been named as David Campaya Lleo.

Alves, who made two crosses that led to two goals during Barca’s 3-2 win over Villarreal has previously said the banana thrower should be publicly shamed for the racist act.

In eating the banana, the Brazil international sparked a global sensation which has seen leading footballers, celebrities, politicians and ordinary people post pictures of themselves on social media with bananas.

Villarreal said they have banned the banana thrower for life from the El Madrigal stadium.

Alves said he has been surprised by the response to eating the banana, and spoke about how widespread racism is in Spain.

He told BBC Brasil: “I hope that this [campaign] can be an alert to ban this kind of attitude from football altogether.

“I hope the debate about racial prejudice will not fade away, but stays on permanently and not be restricted only to football.”