November 11 – A Brazilian midfielder playing in Ukraine for leading club Shakhtar Donesk was sent off at the weekend and reduced to tears for reacting to alleged racist abuse.
Taison was dismissed during the showpiece fixture against fellow heavyweights Dynamo Kyiv after making a one-finger gesture towards a section of Dynamo fans, kicking the ball into the stands before the referee took the players off the pitch.
When they returned five minutes later, the referee adjudged that Taison’s reaction was worthy of a red card.
“I will never shut up in such an inhuman and despicable act,” Taison, who has six caps for Brazil and has played in Ukraine since 2011, said afterwards on Instagram.
“My tears were of indignation, repudiation and helplessness, helplessness that I could do nothing at that moment! 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!”
Shakhtar said both Taison and fellow Brazilian Dentinho were targeted and the Dynamo fans were warned twice. Taison Shakhtar manager Luis Castro did not appear for his post-match press conference, but said in a statement that the racist abuse had been “a disgrace”.
Paris St-Germain forward Neymar, Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho, Juventus winger Douglas Costa and Everton forward Bernard are among fellow Brazilians who have expressed their support for Taison.
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