“We must strengthen dialogue with clubs”

The Ukrainian Premier League (UPL) issued a statement after the incident that occurred in the match of the 14th round of the national championship in which Shakhtar hosted Dynamo. The organization sharply condemned the actions of fans who offended the black players of the Donetsk team Tyson Fred and Dentinho on racial grounds.

“This case shows that we must strengthen dialogue with clubs in order to avoid similar incidents in the future. The UPL believes that the competent disciplinary body investigates this matter as a priority and will hold all involved parties accountable in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, ”the statement reads on the official website of the UPL.

Throughout the meeting, Kiev fans broke out and shouted insults at the two Brazilians. The speaker at the stadium repeatedly asked the audience to calm down, but his calls were never heard.

At the 75th minute, Tyson's nerves could not stand it. He knocked the ball towards the guest rostrum and showed the middle finger. This made the fans even more angry, and some of them even tried to break into the field. Dynamo had to intervene in what was happening. Then the chief referee Nikolai Balakin decided to suspend the meeting and take the players out of the field.

Leaving in the podium, the Brazilians burst into tears. Three minutes later, the match was continued, but Shakhtar remained ten of them - for his indecent gesture, Tyson received a red card.

Later on his Instagram page, he said that he was extremely outraged by the behavior of the fans, and also urged everyone to unite in the fight against discrimination.

“We were taught to be strong and fight for our rights and equality. My role is to fight, to beat myself in the chest, to raise my head and not to stop the fight. In a racist society, it’s not enough not to be racist - we all must be anti-racists! Football needs more respect, the world needs more respect. Thanks to everyone for the words of support. We will continue to fight. No to racism, ”the Brazilian wrote.

The head coach of the Donetsk team Luis Kashtru was laconic at the post-match press conference. He commented on what had happened and left the event.

“Today, my players have once again shown their character. I want to support absolutely all the victims of racism. In particular, those guys who suffered today. Its manifestation is unacceptable. It was, is and will be a shame for all. Together we must fight it every day, every minute, every second, ”the mentor said.

Both teams also made statements regarding the inadmissibility of any discrimination during football matches. At the same time, the people of Kiev called not to make hasty conclusions about the club membership of the violators and to wait until the investigation is completed.

“We look forward to the beginning of the investigation, we are ready to comprehensively help in it and, in case of guilt, we will take all possible measures to further isolate these individuals not only from football, but also from society. We look forward to the publication of photos and video materials that could shed light on all the circumstances of the incident, ”the statement said.

“For the first time I see this”

On the side of Tyson and Dentinho took their colleagues. So, on social networks, the words of support were written by ex-striker Ronaldo, striker Paris Saint-Germain Neymar, Porto defender Alex Telles, Chelsea midfielder Willian, Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus and other famous football players.

  • Dynamo players support Tyson after the incident with fans
  • Reuters
  • © Oleksandr Osipov

The forward of Shakhtar and the national team of Ukraine Junior Moraes admitted that he does not understand the existence of discrimination by skin color in the modern world.

“I am very disappointed that I witnessed this today, and I wish my comrades Dentinho and Tyson a lot of strength. We continue to fight together and we will win. No to racism, ”the footballer wrote.

Shakhtar goalkeeper Andrei Pyatov said that the players of both teams discussed the incident while they were waiting for the match to resume in the under-stands. According to him, everyone was in a state of shock from the actions of fans.

“For the first time I see this. I never thought that people can behave so ugly. It doesn’t paint anyone ”, - quotes the goalkeeper Tribuna.

At the same time, some condemned Tyson's actions, which allowed emotions to prevail. So, according to the former defender of the Moscow CSKA Bohdan Shershun, the player should not show indecent gesture in the direction of the stands.

“Racism must be fought. Fans should not behave this way. But the players too. I once played in Russia, and there were provocations too, but I never allowed myself that. I did not pay attention to provocations. In each match, they shout something to someone, if the players keep answering, they will receive red cards, ”Dynamo portal quoted Shershun as saying.