Tally Me Banana.

The Scotland Brazil game played at the Emirates Stadium last Sunday was marred by racism.

But was it though?

Let’s look at the “evidence”, the unpleasant plant was thrown from the Brazilian section of support.  This, in my humble opinion, means that there is as much likelihood of the perpetrator being Lithuanian as being Brazilian or Scottish for that reason. This was a friendly played on neutral ground, the only reason the Scot’s got tarred with a racist brush is that they live next door. Bigotry by geographical proxy.

The banana thrower was probably a stupid Londoner. They should be banned, as should anybody who throws anything on to a football pitch, from entry into any stadium. Rules is rules, how hard is it to watch a game respecting those around you and on the pitch?  

The real issue here is the loaded meaning behind the offensive fruit. Were the Brazilian players too quick to jump to a conclusion that might not have been there?  Could this have just been an idiot throwing what he had in his hand towards the pitch rather than a vicious act of hate crime? Racism is the ultimate form of ignorance, but how far below are false accusations of racism? Is there an argument that they are equally as hurtful?

History has to forgive anyone who would consider the worst. But it should be just that, a carefully thought out consideration.  However, with fast paced up to the minute media reporting and the internet giving an instant platform for any Tom, Dick or Neil to project their opinion within typing seconds does anybody have the time to consider consideration?

Maybe we should take some time to think about that.