Shakhtar Donetsk coach Luis Castro says it is “strange” his player Taison has been banned after being subjected to racial abuse.
The Brazilian midfielder has been handed a one-match suspension by the Ukrainian Association of Football following a controversial incident in his side’s clash with rivals Dynamo Kiev earlier this month.
Castro was asked about the matter as he arrived in England ahead of his side’s Champions League Group C clash with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday.
Speaking at a press conference, he said: “Racism is a very sensitive subject, it’s an issue not just in football but in every aspect of our society. It does bother us and it’s one of the main plagues in the whole world. There is no other way to put it into words.
“Every one of us feels sadness from what happened but we know humans are erratic beings. People do make mistakes here and there, some worse than others. We all agree that racism should end, like child labour, domestic violence, wars and many others plagues.
“On this specific case, we should not tolerate this in football. Do I agree with Taison’s suspension? It’s strange to see the offended being punished.
“But I have to accept the rules. It doesn’t matter if I agree or not, maybe it does matter before rules are written.
“Right now I just have to accept it, support my player and try to help him not to feel this distinction that some people want to impose. Let’s move on with our squad, a place that everyone has the same rights.”
Castro, whose side are 13 points clear at the top of the Ukraine Premier League, said: “Our tactics will remain the same and we will try to continue the work we have done up to now.
“Of course playing Manchester City is very complicated but when you are in charge of the ball you control the situation and that is what we will also try to do.
“We did not come here to play a defensive game. We will try to create opportunities and find our way to the City goal.”
