Dublin GAA legend Jason Sherlock has praised Barcelona defender Dani Alves for his response to racial abuse from a Villareal fan when the two sides met in La Liga last Sunday.
The Brazilian's decision to eat a banana that was thrown at him during the match, as he prepared to take a corner, sparked a Twitter campaign which saw footballers and celebrities from around the world show their support by tweeting photos of themselves eating the fruit.
Sherlock joined in with the campaign this morning and told 98FM Sport at today's 'Show The Racism the Red Card' event in Dublin, that Alves' actions were hugely positive.
"I think the reaction of Dani Alves was very empowering. Instead of him becoming the victim he empowered the whole situation. You only have to look at Twitter and the likes of Luis Suarez and Coutinho what they did yesterday, I had my own little contribution today on it. Again, it's gone from an action that could have had a very bad detrimental effect on Dani Alves, he's now empowered himself."
The GAA have made moves to tackle racism as demonstrated most recently by the passing of Motion 60 at Congress last February.
The wording of the motion permits referees to brandish a red card if a player should 'act by deed, word or gesture of a racist, sectarian or anti inclusion/diversity nature against an opponent'.
Sherlock thinks that is a positive step but told 98FM Sport that the Association needs to do more.
"I know that the GAA have brought in punishment, personally I don't think that's enough. I think it's the education pieces that are lacking and that's what is vital. Ensuring that people know what's right and wrong in terms of behaviour on a pitch."
You can hear the full interview - Jason Sherlock speaking to 98FM Sport's Stephen Doyle - here...
Here's the incident involving Alves after which the fan responsible was banned from the club for life.
