Rio Ferdinand has called on football authorities to impose harsh penalties on anyone found guilty of committing a racist offence, admitting that he is “tired” of talking about discrimination in the game.

Richarlison De Andrade was the most recent victim of racism, and the event made headlines after Brazil defeated Tunisia 5-1 in a friendly international match at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris, France.

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The Brazilian was celebrating with his teammates after scoring his team’s second goal when a banana was thrown at them from the crowd.

Former England and Manchester United defender Ferdinand argued that the government must take more initiative in the ongoing fight against racism, despite the fact that the Brazilian football association condemned the event and reaffirmed its commitment to “fighting against racism.”

After Tottenham player Richarlison was thrown a banana while representing Brazil on international duty in midweek, the BT Sport pundit said he was “disappointed, disgusted, and tired.”

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It came after Brazil began the game by entering the field without stars on their shirts, an anti-racism gesture meant to highlight the contribution black players have made to the country’s significant footballing successes.

After the game, Richarlison tweeted that racism happens “every day and everywhere,” implying that governing bodies have been too lenient on discriminatory behaviour in the past.

Ferdinand stated- 

“Obviously I’m disappointed, disgusted, but also tired, tired of continuing to have these conversations. Tired of players being subjected to this type of abuse. And I just feel it’s about time that the powers that run the game put sanctions in place so that people are punished in the right way that actually discourages people from wanting to do this. We don’t want to keeping wakening up in the morning seeing this, having to answer questions to our kids about this stuff. We want to answer questions on ‘how is he so good, how has he scored that goal?’. Not about why there has been a banana thrown on the pitch to a player of colour. The sooner the repercussions are there for people the better. I think this is a bigger problem than just football, it’s a social issue as well.” 

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Tottenham manager Antonio Conte has called for the spectator who threw the banana at Richarlison to be banned from football for life.

“Richy played for the national team, scored a goal, and what happened after that is incredible, to be witnessing this type of situation in 2022 is embarrassing for everyone. I hope this person is banned from football for the rest of their lives, but it is a very disappointing situation to make a comment about this.”

The Tunisian Football Federation (FTF) also came out in support of Richarlison, saying that if the person who threw the banana is Tunisian, “we apologise on his behalf and on behalf of all Tunisians present at the stadium.”