By David Gold
April 4 – Neymar has refused to apologise to Scottish supporters for claiming that he was the victim of racist abuse at the game between Scotland and Brazil on March 27, insisting that he was not pointing the finger at any particular group of fans.
The Santos forward terrorised the Scottish defence during the friendly, scoring both goals in a 2-0 win, and was jeered throughout the contest played at the Emirates Stadium in London.
Neymar suggested that he was the victim of racist abuse as a result of both the jeering and a banana which was thrown onto the pitch.
It was later revealed that a German tourist threw the banana but had “no racist intent”.
But Neymar has hit back at requests for an apology for the accusations, sent to the Brazilian Football Federation by Scottish football chief executive Stewart Regan.
“At no time, not even at the end of the match … did I accuse any person, or group of fans, of any nationality of having committed this act,” he said.
“I did say I regretted this action and I condemn and discriminatory action – but I reiterate I did not point the finger at anyone.
“So I don’t understand why I should retract my commments.”
The 19-year-old added that he had praise for the way the Brazilians were treated during their stay in London, and that the incident was a “closed case”.
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