In the aftermath of the UEFA Super Cup, where Tottenham Hotspur suffered a defeat to Paris Saint-Germain via penalties, the club has issued a strong statement against the racial abuse targeted at their player Mathys Tel. The 20-year-old French forward, who missed a crucial penalty, became the subject of racial attacks on social media, sparking outrage and a firm response from his team.
Key Facts
- Mathys Tel, a black French forward, faced racial abuse online after missing a penalty in the UEFA Super Cup against PSG.
- Tottenham Hotspur has condemned the abuse, describing the perpetrators as ‘cowards’.
- The club has pledged to collaborate with authorities and social media platforms to identify and take action against the abusers.
Background
The incident occurred after a tense match that ended in a 2-2 draw, leading to a penalty shootout where PSG emerged victorious with a 4-3 score. Tel, who had joined Tottenham permanently from Bayern Munich following a loan period, was brought on as a substitute in the 79th minute while Tottenham led 2-0. His missed penalty was met with immediate and virulent online abuse.
Official Reactions
Tottenham’s official statement expressed disgust at the racial abuse, emphasizing the bravery Tel exhibited by stepping up to take the penalty. The club also criticized the anonymity used by the abusers to hide their identities while engaging in such reprehensible behavior. ‘We stand with you, Mathys,’ the statement from Spurs added, affirming their support for the young player amidst the backlash.
What’s Next
Tottenham Hotspur is actively working with law enforcement and social media companies to trace and take legal actions against the individuals behind the racist comments. This incident highlights ongoing issues of racism in sports and the need for stronger measures to combat online abuse. The club’s proactive stance may serve as a catalyst for other organizations to intensify efforts against racism in football.