Key Points

Tottenham Hotspur has taken a firm stand against racist abuse directed at young forward Mathys Tel after their UEFA Super Cup defeat. The incident occurred following a dramatic penalty shootout loss to Paris Saint-Germain, where Tel missed a crucial spot-kick. The club issued a powerful statement condemning the online racial harassment, calling the abusers "cowards" and promising to work with authorities. This episode underscores the persistent issue of racist abuse in modern football, particularly through social media platforms.

Key Points: Spurs Condemn Racist Abuse of Mathys Tel After PSG Super Cup Loss

  • Spurs strongly condemn racist online abuse targeting young player
  • Tel missed crucial penalty in Super Cup shootout against PSG
  • Club pledges to work with authorities to combat racial harassment
  • Incident highlights ongoing social media racism challenges in football
2 min read

Spurs condemn racist abuse of Mathys Tel after Super Cup defeat

Tottenham denounces racist social media attacks on Mathys Tel following UEFA Super Cup penalty shootout defeat to Paris Saint-Germain

"Those who abuse him are nothing but cowards - Tottenham Hotspur Official Statement"

London, Aug 14

Tottenham Hotspur have strongly condemned the racial abuse directed at forward Mathys Tel following their defeat to Paris St-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup, calling the abusers "nothing but cowards".

Spurs' first-ever appearance in the UEFA Super Cup ended in a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to Paris Saint-Germain after letting slip a two-goal lead. Tel, 20, who came on as a substitute in the 79th minute, was one of two Spurs players who failed to convert from the spot in the penalty shootout.

The France Under-21 international, who signed a permanent deal worth £ 30 million after joining the club on loan in January, was targeted with abuse on social media after firing his effort wide.

"We are disgusted at the racial abuse that Mathys Tel has received on social media following last night's UEFA Super Cup defeat," Spurs said in a statement.

"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," it added.

The club said it will work with the authorities and social media platforms to take the strongest possible action against the abusers.

Tel made 20 appearances for Spurs last season, scoring three goals and was an unused substitute for their victory over Manchester United in the Europa League final.

Europa League winners Spurs were leading 2-0 after 84 minutes and were close to winning their second silverware in three months, but a late rally saw PSG come from 2-0 down in the 84th minute to draw level, taking a scintillating contest to penalties.

Vitinha missed PSG's first penalty, but Van de Ven and Mathys Tel then failed to convert for Spurs, and it was left for Nuno Mendes to coolly stroke in the decisive fifth kick and earn the French side's first-ever Super Cup triumph.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As an Indian football fan, this breaks my heart. We criticize our own players harshly sometimes, but racial abuse crosses all lines. Tel showed courage to take that penalty - that's what matters most!
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Aditya G
Social media platforms need stricter verification. These keyboard warriors wouldn't dare say such things face-to-face. Remember when Indian players faced similar abuse? Time for global action against racism in football.
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Sarah B
While the abuse is unacceptable, clubs also need to better protect young players from social media toxicity. Maybe disable comments for 24hrs after high-pressure matches? Just a thought...
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Karthik V
This is why I love cricket culture more - we criticize performance but never cross into personal attacks. Football needs to learn from this. #RespectThePlayer
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Nisha Z
As a mom, I can't imagine how Tel's family must feel. Young players need support, not hatred. Remember how we rallied behind Chhetri when he missed that penalty? That's the spirit football needs worldwide 💛
M
Michael C
The beautiful game turns ugly because of such incidents. Spurs handled this perfectly - strong statement without making it about the loss. Hope other clubs follow this example.

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