Written by Amy Tuscher
In the wake of their UEFA Super Cup defeat, Tottenham Hotspur has been thrust into the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.
The club has issued a powerful and unequivocal statement condemning the "horrific racist abuse" directed at their young forward, Mathys Tel, following the match.
The abuse, which has been widely reported on social media, came after the 20-year-old French player missed a penalty in the shootout against Paris Saint-Germain.
Spurs, who had let a two-goal lead slip, ultimately lost 4-3 on penalties, with Tel being one of two players who failed to convert from the spot.
In a statement released on their official website, Tottenham Hotspur expressed their disgust at the "abhorrent views" spewed online. The club praised Tel's "bravery and courage" for stepping up to take a penalty in such a high-pressure situation, while branding those who abused him as "nothing but cowards" hiding behind anonymous profiles.
The statement continued, vowing to "work with the authorities and social media platforms to take the strongest possible action against any individual we are able to identify."
It concluded with a message of solidarity, stating, "We stand with you, Mathys."
This incident, unfortunately, is not an isolated one. The online abuse of footballers, particularly after missed penalties or losses, has become a depressingly familiar pattern. As recently as last month England Lioness Jess Carter received racist abuse online following her performance in the Euros.
The racial element, highlights a deeply entrenched problem that continues to plague the sport and society.
Tel himself has experienced similar abuse before. In 2023, while playing for Bayern Munich, he was also subjected to racist comments on social media after a loss. Bayern Munich, like Spurs, issued a strong statement of support at the time.
This repeated targeting of a young player serves as a stark reminder of the persistent and ugly reality of racism in football and society as a whole.
Tottenham's swift and strong response has been praised by many, but it also underscores the ongoing challenge clubs and football authorities face in combating this form of hatred.
While statements of condemnation are important, the real test lies in the follow-through – in working with social media companies and law enforcement to ensure that perpetrators are identified and held accountable.
The call for action from Spurs echoes similar pleas from other clubs and organizations in recent years. The fight against online abuse is a collective one, requiring a multi-faceted approach that includes stronger regulation from social media platforms, more effective policing, and a continued commitment from clubs and fans to create an environment where such hatred is not tolerated.
As the football world grapples with this latest instance of racism, the focus remains on supporting Mathys Tel and ensuring that those responsible for the abuse face the consequences of their actions. The message from Tottenham is clear: there is no place for racism in their club or in the beautiful game.
Image from Instagram @spursofficial
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