London, Aug 14: Tottenham has slammed the “cowards” who racially abused French forward Mathys Tel after the team’s loss to Paris Saint-Germain in a penalty shootout in the UEFA Super Cup.
The 20-year-old Tel, who is Black, was one of two Tottenham players who failed to convert their penalties as they lost the shootout 4-3 to PSG after a 2-2 draw.
“We are disgusted at the racial abuse that Mathys Tel has received on social media following last night’s UEFA Super Cup defeat,” Tottenham said in a statement.
“Mathys showed bravery and courage to step forward and take a penalty, yet those who abuse him are nothing but cowards – hiding behind anonymous user names and profiles to spout their abhorrent views.” Tottenham said the club will work with the authorities and social media platforms to take “the strongest possible action against any individual we are able to identify.” “We stand with you, Mathys,” Spurs added.
Tel, who joined the team on a permanent basis from Bayern Munich in the offseason after a loan spell last season, came on as a substitute in the 79th minute when Tottenham was 2-0 ahead.
He hit his penalty wide of the goal in the shootout.Tottenham’s strong stance comes amid growing calls across the footballing world to clamp down on online abuse and ensure greater accountability on social media. The club’s unwavering support for Tel sends a clear message that racism has no place in sport, and that those responsible will be pursued and punished to the fullest extent possible. (AP)
