Racist offense against Galatasaray’s Drogba stirs debate

ISTANBUL

Galatasaray's Ivorian forward Didier Drogba reacts during the Turkish Super League football match between Fenerbahce and Galatasaray, at Şükrü Saracoğlu stadium in Istanbul, on May 12, 2013. AFP PHOTO / OZAN KOSE

Galatasaray's Ivorian stars Didier Drogba and Emmanuel Eboué were subjected to racist abuse during the pair’s 2-1 loss to Fenerbahçe on May 12 after a Fenerbahçe fan pointed a banana at them.

The abuse, which former Fener star Roberto Carlos also experienced while playing in Russia, has rekindled debate about racism in football.

Drogba shared an illustration symbolizing the phenomenon of evolution on the online photo-sharing network Instagram in response to the abuse.

"My monkey brother scored twice yesterday," Drogba said, referring to Fenerbahçe's Pierre Webo, who is also African.

Drogba also thanked his fans for their support.

A Fenerbahçe fan was stabbed to death and more than 100 fans were detained late on the night of May 12, after Turkey’s most famous sporting derby.