Brazil star Neymar: 'I won't say sorry to the Tartan Army over banana racism row'

Brazilian striker Neymar cast doubt over the Scotland support's reputation around the world after complaining of racist abuse during Sunday's friendly match between the nations at London's Emirates Stadium.

A banana was thrown on to the pitch which landed near the player, prompting him to condemn the "atmosphere of racism" as "totally sad" in an after-match interview.

However, an investigation by Metropolitan Police concluded the fruit had been thrown by a German student sitting in the area of the stadium reserved for Brazilian supporters.

Stewart Regan, chief executive of the SFA, has written to the Confederao Brasileira de Futebol (CBF) to request an apology for Scotland fans from either the federation or Neymar himself.

The confirmation that no Scotland supporters were involved in incident during the game on 27 March led the SFA to defend fans of Scotland's national team, who Mr Regan said were "genuinely upset and annoyed" by the claims of racism.

However, the 19-year-old yesterday claimed he did not single out Scottish fans as a guilty party after the fixture, and said that he will not be retracting his remarks.

In a statement posted on his official website, he revealed he was "surprised" to learn of Mr Regan's letter.

He said: "At no time, even at the end of the game, still enveloped by the thrill of scoring the two goals that won the game, did I accuse any person or any group of supporters, of whatever nationality, of having committed such an act.

"All the interviews I gave at the end of the match, in Portuguese, are available for consultation with media companies that covered the friendly. Yes, I did lament the fact, condemn any and all prejudice, but I repeat, at no time did I accuse anybody. So I do not understand why I have to retract what I said.

"The requirement from the Scottish, after all that happened, seems somewhat ironic, since, if there has been prejudice, it is us, the players, who should 'require' a formal apology."

Neymar stressed he had declared the matter closed in his post-match interviews, adding: "I spent a great time with my family in the UK and even stayed a day longer than planned. I only have praise for the way I was treated at every place we visited. The hospitality my family was offered was an honour for us. They were unforgettable days.

"That said, for my part, I consider the matter closed."

The SFA said yesterday: "We are still waiting on an apology from the Brazilian FA. We will not comment until then."

Hamish Husband, spokesman for the Association of Tartan Army Clubs, said Neymar's latest comments effectively tarred all those in attendance at the Emirates with the same brush.

He told The Scotsman: "It's almost worse because he's condemned all football fans in the stadium, including Brazil fans. We've been in touch with the SFA and left it in their hands to get an apology from the Brazilian FA and the player, so they're doing the right thing."

While Mr Husband said Neymar's accusations and recent statement would sour Scotland fan's memory of a player who could be "the new Pele," he expressed confidence that the Tartan Army would relish a trip to Brazil should the national side qualify for the 2014 World Cup.

He added: "Scotland football fans have had a great relationship with Brazil since 1982, and many of us think we're Brazilians in disguise."

Neither the CBF or Wagner Ribeiro, Neymar's agent, was available for comment.