Tottenham Hotspur have condemed the “vile, dehumanising racism” geared toward defender Kevin Danso on social media following their 2-2 draw against Brighton on Saturday.
An error from Danso allowed Brighton‘s Georginio Rutter to equalise in stoppage time, conserving Spurs within the Premier League relegation zone.
In an announcement, the membership mentioned they’ve reported the “significant and abhorrent” abuse confronted by 27-year-old Danso to the police and authorities.
“We will push for the strongest possible action against each and every person we identify,” mentioned Spurs.
“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 kind or league place can ever excuse or clarify racist abuse. There isn’t any connection between efficiency on the pitch and the suitable to goal a participant with discrimination.
“We have heard and seen vile, dehumanising racism. Behaviour that is without doubt a criminal offence. It will not be tolerated.”
The abuse came about in the course of the Premier League’s No Room For Racism marketing campaign this weekend, which is geared toward selling variety and tackling discrimination in soccer.
In an Instagram post, external, Austria centre-back Danso mentioned the abuse “doesn’t define me” and “won’t distract me from what is important”.
“I know who I am, what I stand for, and why I play,” he added.
“Discriminatory abuse has absolutely no place in football or wider society,” the Premier League mentioned in an announcement.
“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 people recognized and located responsible of discrimination will face the strongest doable penalties, together with membership bans and authorized prosecution.”
Meanwhile, anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out said in a statement: “We stand with Kevin Danso and all gamers who’re calling out this vile abuse. It takes large braveness and Kevin’s response is extremely highly effective.
“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.”
It added that it’s going to “continue working with clubs, governing bodies, authorities and regulators to hold more people accountable and ensure that social media firms provide greater protection for players”.
