Tottenham have condemned “vile and dehumanizing racism” aimed at defender Kevin Danso after Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Brighton.
Georginio Rutter scored Brighton’s equalizer in stoppage time, leaving Spurs in the relegation zone.
The club announced that it had reported racist abuse towards the Austrian center back on social media to the police.
Danso himself also commented on the comments, posting on his Instagram page: “Yesterday was not the result we needed. We gave everything, we learned, we move. I saw the comments. Racist abuse has no place in this game or anywhere. But it doesn’t define me and it won’t distract me from what’s important. I know who I am, what I stand for and why I play.”
“Right now it’s important to stay focused, work harder and come back stronger for the next game. We’ll keep pushing, we’ll keep believing and we’ll give it our all every time we step on that pitch. Stronger and together. Next.”
“Kevin Danso has been and continues to be the subject of serious and abhorrent racist abuse on social media since yesterday’s game against Brighton during the Premier League’s ‘No Room for Racism’ weekend,” Spurs said in a club statement.
“We have seen and heard vile and dehumanizing racism. It is undoubtedly criminal. It will not be tolerated.
“The club is taking immediate action. We are reporting all identified content to the Metropolitan Police, the appropriate authorities in the country where the perpetrator resides, and the relevant social media platforms.”
“We will push for the strongest possible action against all those we identify.
“Kevin has given us his full and unconditional support as a player and as a person. No one at this club will ever be alone in the face of this situation.
“Nothing about grades or league standings excuses or explains racist abuse. There is no connection between performance on the pitch and the right to subject players to discrimination. Criticism of performance is part of the game, racism is not.”
“We join Kevin Danso and Tottenham Hotspur in condemning the vile racist abuse he has suffered on social media,” the Premier League said in a statement.
“Discriminatory abuse has absolutely no place in football or in society as a whole. People who abuse others are not welcome at our games and they are not true fans.”
“It is clear that more needs to be done to address this issue and we will work with clubs, football bodies, law enforcement and social media companies to ensure this remains a priority for everyone.
“Individuals identified and found guilty of discrimination will face the strongest possible consequences, including bans from clubs and legal prosecution.”
Sky Sports News has contacted the Metropolitan Police, the Football Association, Kick It Out, Meta and X for comment.
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