Tottenham report ‘abhorrent racist abuse’ of Kevin Danso to police

Tottenham have condemned the “vile, dehumanising racism” aimed at defender Kevin Danso following Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Brighton.

Danso was at fault for Georginio Rutter’s stoppage-time equaliser which left Spurs languishing in the relegation zone.

The club say they have reported racist abuse towards the Austria centre-back on social media to the police.

“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.”

Danso posted on Instagram on Sunday morning: “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.”

The Premier League issued a statement on X in support of Danso, warning that “any individuals identified and found guilty of discrimination will face the strongest possible consequences, including club bans and legal prosecution”.

The statement added: “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.”

Anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out said in a statement: “We stand with Kevin Danso and all players who are calling out this vile abuse. It takes huge courage and Kevin’s response is incredibly powerful.

“Reports of discrimination sent to Kick It Out – whether in the professional game, grassroots or online – continue to rise this season, but we will meet that with the same force.”