Ukrainian police are searching for around 20 Dynamo Kiev fans after Shakhtar Donetsk player Taison suffered racial abuse at the weekend.
The Brazilian admits he was crying with “tears of helplessness” and reacted by making a gesture towards the Dynamo fans before kicking the ball at them.
The 31-year-old was then given a red card before the referee took the players off in the 77th minute.
Police in the city of Kharkiv, where Shakhtar plays, say they have opened criminal proceedings on allegations of “violation of citizens’ equality” due to race, nationality, religion or disability.
“I will never shut up in such an inhuman and despicable act,” Taison said afterwards, before continuing to have his say on social media.
“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!”
Taison has played eight times for Brazil, with compatriots Neymar, Fernandinho, Douglas Costa and Bernard among those sending messages of support.
“My role is to fight, to beat my chest, to lift my head and keep fighting always,” Taison added.
“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!”
