Shakhtar Donetsk’s Taison remains indignant after he received a red card for reacting to racial abuse from the stands against Dynamo Kiev on Sunday.
The Brazilian raised his middle finger to the crowd and kicked a ball into the stands during the match and the referee took the players off the pitch, following the incident.
When play resumed five minutes later, the officials adjudged Taison’s reaction to be worthy of a red card and the player had be consoled by Dynamo players.
However, in a lengthy post on Instagram, Taison vowed to keep fighting against racism.
“I love my race, I fight for color, whatever I do is for us, for love…
I will never shut up in such an inhuman and despicable act! My tears were of indignation, repudiation and helplessness, helplessness that I could do nothing at that moment! But we are taught early on 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 … ✊? Net rasizmu
Dynamo Kiev, a club with a history of racism, were quick to pledge to investigate the incident and punish those responsible.
“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,” a club statement read.
“We look forward to the release of photos and videos that could shed light on all the circumstances of the incident.”
Many of Taison’s fellow Brazilians have voiced their support for their compatriot on his Instagram post, including Neymar, Douglas Costa, Douglas Costa and Fernandinho.
Everton forward Bernard, who used to play for Shakhtar, wrote:
“Unfortunately, this is a very backward country when it comes to this, brother, but head on, never stop fighting and doing what you know very well, which is playing soccer. I love you.”
