Ex-Brazil winger hits out at racist abuse on Instagram

Rio de Janeiro: 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.