Former Brazil international winger Michel Bastos has announced plans to take legal action against a fan who racially abused him.
The 32-year-old said on Monday he decided to act after a fan called him a monkey on Instagram, reports Xinhua.
"I have already informed my lawyers about what has happened and I will take all available steps so that this person is held accountable," Bastos told reporters.
"If we let this keep happening, it will never end."
The offending message was posted after Bastos helped Sao Paulo to a 3-0 victory over Sport in Brazil's Serie A championship on Saturday.
Bastos had upset some Sao Paulo fans during the match when he responded to their booing of the team by making a hush gesture after scoring.
The former Lyon and Roma player posted his own message on Instagram to denounce the abuse. "Do I still have to remain quiet?" he wrote.
The offending Instagram user had since deleted her account, according to reports.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
