Tottenham Hotspur has issued a strong condemnation of the “vile, dehumanising racism” aimed at defender Kevin Danso, which followed Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Brighton.
The abuse surfaced after Danso was implicated in the concession of Georginio Rutter’s stoppage-time equaliser, a result that left Spurs languishing in the Premier League relegation zone.
The club has confirmed that it has reported the racist abuse, received via social media, to the police.
In a statement, Tottenham said that the incidents occurred during the Premier League’s dedicated “No Room For Racism” weekend.
“Since yesterday’s fixture against Brighton… Kevin Danso has been, and continues to be, subject to significant and abhorrent racist abuse on social media,” the club said.
They labelled such behaviour as “without doubt a criminal offence” and said that it “will not be tolerated”.
Tottenham are pursuing “immediate action”, reporting all identified content to the Metropolitan Police, as well as to the appropriate authorities in the countries where perpetrators reside, and to the relevant social media platforms.
The club have pledged to “push for the strongest possible action against each and every person we identify”.
They also affirmed their “complete and unconditional support” for Danso, stating: “No one at this club will ever stand alone in the face of this.
“Nothing about form or league position can ever excuse or explain racist abuse. There is no connection between performance on the pitch and the right to target a player with discrimination. Criticism of performances is part of the game. Racism is not.”
In February, an “appalling weekend” rocked English football after four players were subjected to racist abuse on their social media accounts following recent matches.
Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana and Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri both shared images of racist messages they privately received on Instagram after their teams’ 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge.
Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Tolu Arokodare also displayed racially aggravated messages sent to him on Instagram following a 1-0 loss at Crystal Palace, a game in which he had a penalty saved.
And last week, Sunderland condemned racist abuse directed towards Brian Brobbey on social media and offered the striker their full support.
The club said Brobbey was targeted online after the Black Cats’ 1-0 win over Tottenham in the Premier League.
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