Tottenham Hotspur has strongly condemned the racist abuse directed at defender Kevin Danso on social media following their 2-2 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday. The club described the messages as “vile” and “dehumanising.”
The backlash came after Danso made a costly error in the closing stages of the match. The 27-year-old centre-back was dispossessed under pressure, allowing Georginio Rutter to score a late equaliser for Brighton, denying Spurs all three points.
“Kevin Danso has been, and continues to be, subject to significant and abhorrent racist abuse on social media,” Spurs said in a statement.
“We have heard and seen vile, dehumanising racism. Behaviour that is without doubt a criminal offence. It will not be tolerated.”
In response to the online abuse, Tottenham confirmed it had reported the offensive posts to the Metropolitan Police, as well as to relevant authorities and social media companies.
“We will push for the strongest possible action against each and every person we identify,” Spurs added.
“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 form or league position can ever excuse or explain racist abuse.”
Police in the UK have increased efforts to combat racist abuse in football, implementing stricter punishments, including arrests and stadium bans, though such incidents persist.
Danso also acknowledged the hateful messages he received, which occurred during the same weekend the Premier League was actively promoting its “No Room For Racism” campaign.
“The racist abuse has no place in this game or anywhere. But it doesn’t define me and it won’t distract me from what is important. I know who I am, what I stand for, and why I play,” he said on Instagram.
“Now it’s about staying focused, working harder, and coming back stronger for the next games.”
This result added to Tottenham’s ongoing struggles, with the North London club still seeking their first Premier League win of 2026. With only five matches remaining in the campaign, Spurs are positioned at 18th place and are battling to avoid relegation.
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