Alves surprised by support

Dani Alves admits to being stunned by the incredible response and support he has received for his unconventional reaction to racist abuse during last Sunday’s La Liga clash with Villarreal, but hopes he has helped further the fight against discrimination.

The Barcelona defender sparked a social media campaign against racism as scores of fellow professionals showed their backing for his decision to eat a banana thrown at him by an opposition fan.

Neymar, Mario Balotelli, Sergio Aguero, Luis Suarez and women’s star Marta were among those who posted pictures of themselves taking bites out of bananas in tribute to Alves’ actions.