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TARGETED: Dani Alves (PA)

BRAZIL AND Barcelona full-back Dani Alves believes the Villarreal fan who threw a banana at him should be shamed in public for the racist act.

The 30-year-old managed to turn the abusive gesture on its head when he peeled the fruit and took a bite, later claiming it gave him the “energy” to make two crosses that led to goals allowing Barca to win the game 3-2.

Alves’ actions have highlighted racism in Spain and attracted widespread support from his fellow pros on social media, with the likes of his international team-mates Neymar, David Luiz, Oscar and Willian posting images of themselves with bananas.

Speaking about the incident that happened in the La Liga match last weekend, Alves said: “If I could, I would put a photo of the fan on the internet so that he would be shamed”.

In an interview with Brazilian station Radio Globo, he also criticised Spain’s handling of racist incidents.

The right-back added: “There is racism against foreigners.

“They sell the country as being first world but in certain things they are very backward.”

On the subject of the global support he has received since he munched on the racist’s banana, Alves said: “I have been surprised by everyone's support.

“I did it without thinking. The world has evolved and we must evolve with it.”

It is not the first time Alves has been subjected to racist jeers from Spanish crowds, while England’s own black players have also received abuse from Spanish fans while playing international fixtures in the country.

Yesterday (Apr 28), Villarreal said they have issued a lifetime ban to the fan responsible for throwing the banana.