Neymar refuses to apologise

Brazil’s two-goal hero Neymar has declined a request from the Scottish Football Association for an apology.

The SFA had asked for the apology after the 19-year-old Santos star complained of racist abuse during Brazil’s match against Scotland at the Emirates on Sunday.

Neymar spoke out after a banana landed on the pitch which a German student later admitted to throwing.

SFA chief executive Stewart Regan said “the unfounded allegations” threatened the good reputation of Scottish fans.

An investigation by Arsenal, in whose stadium the friendly match was played, and the Metropolitan Police concluded that no Scot was involved in the banana-throwing incident, while match commander Mark Sheeran praised the Tartan Army’s conduct.

“The Scottish fans’ behaviour was first class,” he said. “There were no issues at all inside the stadium.”

In an SFA statement, Regan added: “It is very disappointing that this episode threatened to overshadow an entertaining match, played amidst a real carnival atmosphere created by supporters of both teams.”

“Scotland and Brazil have played many times over the years, each time in a colourful and friendly environment, and we feel that it’s necessary to draw a line under Sunday’s events.”

“Scotland’s supporters were genuinely upset and annoyed that the unfounded allegations levelled against them threatened to sully their reputation as fair, good humoured and respectful spectators.”

“As the matter has been resolved, and Scotland supporters cleared of any involvement, we felt it was only right that we acted on behalf of our supporters to request an apology either from the player involved, or the Brazilian FA.”