- Jul 7, 2012
- 38,247
- 104,143
I don't think there is any scenario where this looks good for your friend.
He threw a banana peel at a black player.
Excuse: He just threw whatever was there, never gave it any thought.
Problem 1: What if it was a bottle? Would he have thrown that? I assume the answer to that is "No, he would know not to throw a bottle at someone!" But, that then begs the question - if he would know not to throw a bottle - at what point would he know not to throw a banana peel?
Problem 2: Why throw anything, at all, on the pitch? Emotions run high - I get that - but there is a very bright line, and you don't throw things on the pitch. He is 50-yo, surely that is a life lesson he has already learnt.
My advice to him would be to apologize publicly, and figure out how to reach out to Aubameyang and apologize to him directly. He should state that he did not intend to offend anyone, but that he realizes that throwing a banana peel at players, no matter the intent, is wrong and offensive. He should apologize to anyone who was offended, and to Aubameyang specifically. He should apologize to Spurs, and Spurs supporters for bringing them into disrepute. He should then say that he will accept any ban imposed and will learn from this.
I think if he does that - and accepts responsibility - he won't get a lifetime ban.
Pretty sure he's done the whole apology thing already.