Racist Scandal at Ukrainian Derby: Shakhtar Condemns, Dynamo Awaits Investigation, Neymar Backs Brazilians

Classic. Afterword.

Yesterday's match of the 14th round of the Ukrainian Premier League was marked by a loud scandal: 15 minutes before the end of regulation time, referee Mykola Balakin halted the match because of racist chants from the stands. Shakhtar captain Taison, who in the heat of emotion gave Dynamo fans a middle-finger gesture, was subsequently sent off, which, however, did not prevent the Miners from holding on to victory.

After the match, football itself took a back seat — the main topic was racism, which all football bodies in Europe are fighting actively but not very successfully.

What do the clubs say?

Shakhtar: “FC Shakhtar categorically opposes any manifestations of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. There can be no justification for those who insult others based on skin colour, religious or political beliefs. Such behaviour is unacceptable in civilised countries and football championships. UEFA applies the strictest sanctions to those clubs and associations whose fans show racism at matches.

FC Shakhtar is a large football family, for which such humiliating incidents bring pain and disappointment. We condemn such behaviour of spectators, and we will always stand in support and defence of our players. We call on football bodies and clubs to stop racism in stadiums”.

Dynamo: “Numerous media have spread an official statement from the management of one of the football clubs participating in the match, which categorically accuses our team's fans of allegedly committing racist and xenophobic acts. Football Club Dynamo has repeatedly emphasised through its actions and conduct its commitment to the principles of fair play and universal human values. Combating negative manifestations of individual people is an ongoing process.

The problem of intolerance is relevant not only for individual clubs but, unfortunately, is present in most active fan sectors. It is worth especially noting the extremely important role of the national Football Association, whose fight against football hooliganism boils down to determining the size of fines. However, over all the years not a single event, match or dialogue with representatives of the fan community or leaders of fan movements has been initiated. Sharing the concern of our Donetsk colleagues about observing human moral norms in sports arenas, we consider it hasty to claim in advance that the fans are guilty, while the investigation of the circumstances of this case has not even begun.

Establishing the fact of the incident and determining the role and possible guilt of its participants is the exclusive prerogative of pre-trial investigation bodies. We look forward to the start of the investigation, are ready to fully assist in it and, if guilt is proven, will take all possible measures to further isolate these individuals not only from football but also from society. We expect the publication of photo and video materials that could shed light on all the circumstances of the incident”.

What the players say

Taison, Shakhtar captain: “I will never shut up in the face of such an inhuman and pathetic act. My tears were from outrage, rejection and helplessness, that I cannot do anything at that moment. But we learn early to be strong and ready to fight. To fight for our rights and equality. My role is to fight, to beat my chest, to walk with my head held high and always keep fighting. In a racist society it is not enough not to be racist, we must be anti-racists. Football needs more respect, the world needs more respect. Thank you for all the messages of support. We continue to fight. Net rasizmu”.

Andriy Pyatov, Shakhtar goalkeeper: “Everyone is a bit shocked by what happened today in the stands. I have never seen anything like it. I never thought people could behave so ugly. It doesn't make anyone look good. Under the stand we discussed the incident with Dynamo players. They also have players of other nationalities on their team. I saw that [Dynamo striker] Rodrigues was also shocked, since, it turns out, it concerned him too. The referee said he would stop the game if this happened again”.

Taras Stepanenko, Shakhtar midfielder: “I heard these chants already in the first half. At first I didn't pay attention during the game. This is wrong. Right now the whole world is fighting against manifestations of racism. All people are equal, everyone deserves respect. Especially since Dynamo also has Black players. I think it was unpleasant for them too. People need to be respected”.

Marcos Antonio, Shakhtar midfielder: “When it comes to the incident with the fans, it is terrible that this happens in football. The game needs real fans, not people who come to the stadium and behave like that, disrespecting athletes. We need to work on this, because episodes like this upset all of us. Dentinho, Taison and the other guys are feeling terrible right now. I hope they get through this difficult moment and continue on their path”.

Serhiy Kryvtsov, Shakhtar defender: “Also at the moment when Dentinho committed a foul in Dynamo's penalty area, the fans started booing. I think Dynamo's management should work with the fans. Some talks need to be held. First of all, it is disrespectful towards their own footballers; they have an African American in their team, who I think also does not particularly enjoy hearing this. Perhaps it is about educating people. Taison was very upset, to tears. It is clear that the booing was directed at him. The referee said that if these chants happen again, he will take the teams off the pitch, and let the Control and Disciplinary Committee decide”.

Denys Harmash, Dynamo midfielder: “To be honest, I was far from this episode. I was in the centre of the field. Then I saw Taison run towards our fans, and the referee ran after him. The teams left the pitch, then Taison was sent off. I didn't hear it, but something like some fans said bad words, maybe that's why they got upset”.

Black legionnaires of Dynamo Gerson Rodrigues and Mohamed Kadiri wrote on Instagram after the match: “Say no to racism”. Neymar, the PSG striker, also made his mark, accompanying the same text with photos of crying Shakhtar Brazilians.

Reaction from foreign media

The news of the racist scandal in Ukraine spread not only across all popular social networks but also appeared on Europe's main football websites.