Tottenham have condemned the “vile, dehumanising racism” aimed at defender Kevin Danso following Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Brighton.
Georginio Rutter scored a stoppage-time equaliser for Brighton that leaves Spurs in the relegation zone.
The club say they have reported racist abuse towards the Austria centre-back on social media to the police.
Danso himself spoke out about the comments, posting on his Instagram page: “Not the result we needed yesterday. We gave everything, we learn and we move. I’ve also seen the comments. The racist abuse has no place in this game or anywhere. But it doesn’t define me, and it won’t distract me from what is important. I know who I am, what I stand for, and why I play.
“Now it’s about staying focused, working harder, and coming back stronger for the next games. We keep pushing, we keep believing, and we give our all every single time we step on that pitch. Stronger. Together. On to the next.”
Spurs’ 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,” Spurs said in a club statement.
“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.
“Kevin has our complete and unconditional support as a player and as a person. 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.”
A Premier League statement read: “We stand alongside Kevin Danso and Tottenham Hotspur in condemning the vile racist abuse he has received on social media.
“Discriminatory abuse has absolutely no place in football or wider society. Anybody who chooses to abuse others is not welcome in our game and they are not a true fan.
“It is clear that more needs to be done to address this issue and we will work alongside clubs, football bodies, law enforcement and social media companies to ensure this remains a priority for all.
“Any individuals identified and found guilty of discrimination will face the strongest possible consequences, including club bans 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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