Shakhtar Player Sent Off After Responding to Racist Abuse in Ukrainian League Match

After hearing the racist insults from the public, Taison made an obscene gesture towards the Dynamo supporters before throwing the ball in their direction.

According to the explanations of the Football against Racism in Europe (FARE) network, the referee had to interrupt the match for five minutes. He also sent the teams to the locker rooms, in accordance with UEFA’s three-step protocol, following the racist behavior during the match.

Upon their return from the locker rooms, Taison received a red card in the 82nd minute, just before the game resumed, the same source specifies.

Subsequently, the FC Shakhtar club of the Brazilian player made a public statement to express its categorical opposition to any manifestation and any form of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and intolerance.

"There is no justification for those who insult others because of the color of their skin, their religious or political beliefs. This kind of behavior is unacceptable in all civilized countries and football championships," the statement added.

The FC Shakhtar leaders ultimately condemned "this kind of public behavior" before declaring that they will always express their support for their players and protect them.