Kevin Danso was subjected to abhorrent racist abuse on social media following Tottenham’s 2-2 Premier League draw with Brighton, with the club releasing an official statement condemning the online abuse
Tottenham have issued a statement defending Kevin Danso after the centre-back was targeted with racial abuse following his side’s draw with Brighton, which further damaged their survival prospects.
The north London club remain in the relegation zone after surrendering their advantage against the Seagulls. Georginio Rutter netted their equaliser in added time, with his strike arriving after Danso lost possession inside his own penalty area.
The Tottenham defender faced criticism for attempting to control the ball rather than clearing it immediately, and he has borne the brunt of fury across social media platforms, with certain remarks overstepping acceptable boundaries.
Tottenham have issued a strong condemnation of the “abhorrent racist abuse,” while confirming their intention to take swift action and collaborate with the Metropolitan Police to identify the perpetrators.
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A club statement read: “Since yesterday’s fixture against Brighton, which took place during the Premier League’s No Room For Racism weekend, Kevin Danso has been, and continues to be, subject to significant and abhorrent racist abuse on social media.
“We have heard and seen vile, dehumanising racism. Behaviour that is without doubt a criminal offence. It will not be tolerated.
“The club is taking immediate action. We are reporting all identified content to the Metropolitan Police and to the appropriate authorities in the country where perpetrators reside, as well as to relevant social media platforms.
“We will push for the strongest possible action against each and every person we identify.”
Tottenham had established a lead on two occasions and, with fewer than 15 minutes remaining, believed they’d secured victory when Xavi Simons netted to make it 2-1.
They were unable to preserve their advantage and sit a point adrift of West Ham, who have a game in hand on matchweek 32, while Roberto De Zerbi continues searching for his first win in charge.
Tottenham emphasised that racism will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
They continued: “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.”
De Zerbi maintains his belief that Tottenham can guarantee they avoid relegation for the first time since 1977. He stated: “If you watch the players, if you analyse the level of the players, I think we can win five games in a row.”
