English Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur expressed outrage over the racial abuse directed at their attacker, Mathys Tel. That statement followed a dispiriting UEFA Super Cup performance against Paris Saint-Germain. The match concluded in a spectacular 2-2 stalemate. PSG grabbed the win by winning 4-3 in the penalty shootout.
One of the hottest young players around, 20-year-old French forward Mathys Tel, went permanent to Tottenham this offseason. Before this transfer, he enjoyed a fruitful loan spell with the club last season, playing for Bayern Munich. He came into the game as a sub in the 79th minute. His effect was profound and immediate, guiding Spurs to their first-ever 2-0 advantage.
Unfortunately, the game ended on an unfortunate note for Tel and his teammates as they fell to PSG in the penalty shootout. Tel’s miss made him the second Tottenham player to miss a penalty. This was an unfortunate development to add to the disappointment of an otherwise awesome night.
Unsurprisingly, in the aftermath of that match, Mathys Tel was targeted with racial abuse by several anonymous cowards on social media. The club wasted no time in responding, condemning the “cowards” who perpetrated such acts of discrimination.
“We are disgusted at the racial abuse that Mathys Tel has received on social media following last night’s UEFA Super Cup defeat,” – Tottenham.
The club likewise hard counteracted their outreach to Tel. They lauded his courage in putting himself forward to take a penalty in that high-pressure situation.
“Mathys showed bravery and courage to step forward and take a penalty, yet those who abuse him are nothing but cowards – hiding behind anonymous usernames and profiles to spout their abhorrent views.” – Tottenham.
Racial abuse in sports is still a major concern. Countless local and national organizations and advocacy clubs are mobilizing and encouraging more drastic reform to combat discrimination. Tottenham’s response is part of a larger trend in the sport toward a more serious commitment to protecting players from this toxic behavior.
