Tottenham Hotspur has condemned the “vile, dehumanizing racism” directed at defender Kevin Danso on social media after their 2-2 draw against Brighton on Saturday.
An error from Danso allowed Brighton’s Georginio Rutter to score the equalizer during stoppage time, keeping Spurs in the Premier League relegation zone.
In their statement, the club announced that they had reported the “significant and abhorrent” abuse targeting the 27-year-old Danso to the police and relevant authorities.
“We will advocate for the harshest penalties against each and every individual we identify,” Spurs expressed.
“Kevin has our unwavering support both as a player and as a person. No one at this club will ever stand alone against this kind of behavior.”
“There is no excuse, regardless of form or league position, for racist abuse. Performance on the field should never justify the discrimination of a player.”
“We have witnessed and experienced vile, dehumanizing racism—behavior that is undeniably a criminal offense. It will not be tolerated.”
This abuse occurred during the Premier League’s No Room For Racism campaign over the weekend, which aims to promote diversity and combat discrimination in football.
In an Instagram post, Austria centre-back Danso stated that this abuse “doesn’t define me” and “won’t distract me from what truly matters.”
“I know who I am, what I stand for, and why I play,” he added.
The Premier League reaffirmed, “Discriminatory abuse has no place in football or society as a whole. Anyone who chooses to abuse others is not a true fan and is unwelcome in our game. More needs to be done to tackle this issue, and we will collaborate with clubs, football bodies, law enforcement, and social media platforms to prioritize this matter.” They emphasized that anyone identified and found guilty of discrimination will face severe consequences, including club bans and legal action.
Anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out also expressed their support, stating: “We stand with Kevin Danso and all players who confront this abusive behavior. It requires tremendous courage, and Kevin’s response is profoundly impactful.”
They noted that reports of discrimination sent to Kick It Out—across the professional game, grassroots level, or online—continue to rise this season, but the organization will respond with equal determination.
Kick It Out committed to ongoing collaboration with clubs, regulatory bodies, and authorities to ensure greater accountability and improved protection for players on social media.
This incident marks the latest in a series of racist abuse aimed at Premier League players this season, with four players being targeted during one weekend in February.
Earlier in the week, Manchester City forward Antoine Semenyo brought attention to additional racial abuse he has faced.
A 47-year-old man has been arrested and charged by Merseyside Police following an incident where Semenyo faced racist abuse while playing for his former club, Bournemouth, earlier this season.
The UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) is investigating the abuse directed at the four players in February, which included Sunderland defender Lutsharel Geertruida, Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri, Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana, and Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare.
On Monday, Sunderland also condemned the racist abuse directed at forward Brian Brobbey on social media following their 1-0 league victory over Tottenham.