Eight arrests at Brazil v Scotland match - but Arsenal say banana thrower was German

POLICE made eight arrests on Sunday as Scotland and Brazil fans descended on Finsbury Park to watch their teams clash at the Emirates Stadium.

Three people were cautioned for drinking in view of the pitch, and a 35-year-old man was cautioned for possession of Class A drugs.

In addition, a 14-year-old boy was charge with robbery offences and two men were bailed, a 25-year-old for a public order offence and a 50-year-old for selling counterfeit goods.

Finally, a 22-year-old man was arrested for assault, but no further action was taken by police.

The match had been surrounded by controversy after a banana had been thrown onto the pitch in what was feared to be racism directed at the Brazil players.

However a German man has now admitted throwing the fruit. A spokesman for Arsenal Football Club said: “After consultation with the Metropolitan Police, Arsenal Football Club can confirm that a German teenage tourist has admitted throwing a banana onto the pitch during the Brazil v Scotland International Friendly at Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

“The youngster was sitting in the North Bank of Emirates Stadium, an area of the stadium which was occupied by the official allocation of tickets to Brazil supporters, when he threw the banana onto the pitch during the second half of the match.

“The Metropolitan Police is satisfied there was no racist intent and have confirmed that no further action will be taken.”