VILLARREAL, Spain (AP) - Spanish police have arrested the man who racially insulted Barcelona defender Dani Alves by throwing a banana at him.
Police say 26-year-old David Campayo Lleo was arrested, and Spanish media report he worked for Villarreal and has been fired from his role on the coaching staff of one of the club’s youth teams.
Villarreal would not confirm the reports about Campayo Lleo’s role with the club when questioned by The Associated Press.
Villarreal has banned Campayo Lleo from the team’s El Madrigal Stadium for life.
Campayo Lleo faces up to three years in prison if found guilty of charges related to racist provocation.
Alves picked up the banana and took a bite, sparking a social media campaign against racism in support of the Brazilian player.
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