Tottenham have released a statement defending Kevin Danso after racist abuse, insisting poor performance in the Premier League is no excuse.
Kevin Danso subjected to racist abuse after Saturday’s Tottenham result
Tottenham defended Kevin Danso after the centre-half was racially abused following the draw with Brighton, further damaging the team’s hopes of survival.
Although the North Londoners lost their lead against the Seagulls, they remain in the bottom three. Georginio Rutter scored the equalizer in stoppage time, scoring after Danso had lost the ball in his own box.
The Tottenham defender was criticized for taking a touch without first clearing the line, and has faced the brunt of anger on social media, with some comments crossing the line.
Tottenham publicly condemned the “abhorrent racist abuse” and vowed to take immediate action and work with the Metropolitan Police to find those responsible.
In a statement, the club said: “Kevin Danso has been and continues to be the subject of significant and abhorrent racist abuse on social media since yesterday’s game against Brighton at the Premier League’s No-Racism Weekend. We have seen and heard vile and dehumanizing racism, behavior that is undoubtedly criminal. It will not be tolerated.”
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“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 pursue the strongest possible action against all those identified.”
Tottenham were in the lead twice and with less than 15 minutes remaining, Xavi Simmons’ goal gave them a 2-1 lead and it looked as though they would take the lead. While Roberto De Zerbi was aiming for his first win, they were unable to hold out as they remained just one point behind West Ham with a game remaining in Round 32.
Jan Paul van Hecke stripped Kevin Danso, which led to Brighton’s stoppage-time equaliser.
Despite a disastrous season, Tottenham have made it clear that racism will not be tolerated. They said: “Nothing about grades or league standings excuses or explains racist abuse. There is no connection between performance on the pitch and the right to target players for discrimination. Criticism of performance is part of the game, racism is not.”
De Zerbi is confident Tottenham will avoid relegation for the first time since 1977. “If you look at the players and analyze their level, I think we can win five games in a row,” he said.
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