Shakhtar Donetsk’s Taison has slammed the alleged racist abuse he was subjected to on Sunday night and says he will ‘always keep fighting’ against intolerance.
The Brazil international was astonishingly sent off after reacting furiously to chants from Dynamo Kiev’s travelling supporters, kicking the ball into the stands and giving a middle finger to the away end.
Referee Mykola Balakinwas brandished a red card for his actions and both Taison and compatriot and teammate Dentinho left the field in tears as play was briefly suspended.
As per UEFA’s anti-racism protocol, an announcement was made and players were taken off the field, though play did eventually restart avoiding the third step of abandoning the match.
The Ukrainian Premier League says it ‘deeply regrets’ the incident and will launch an investigation, while Taison slammed what happened and vowed to keep fighting against racism.
‘I love my race, I fight for colour, whatever I do is for us, for love. I will never shut up in the face of such an inhuman and despicable act,’ he wrote on Instagram after the game.
‘My tears were of indignation, repudiation and helplessness, helplessness that I could do nothing at that moment!
‘But we are taught very early to be strong and to fight! Fight for our rights and for equality! My role is to fight, to beat my chest, to lift my head and keep fighting always!
‘In a racist society, it is not enough not to be racist, we must be anti-racist! Football needs more respect, the world needs more respect! Thank you all for the support messages! We follow the fight.’
A statement from Dynamo stopped short of condemning their fans, instead saying: ‘We consider hasty the allegation of a pre-determined guilt of the fans, when the investigation into the circumstances of this case has not even begun.
‘We look forward to the start of the investigation, ready to assist it comprehensively and, if proven guilty, will take all possible steps to further isolate these individuals not only from football but also from society.’
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