Tottenham release statement after star faces racist abuse - 'League position no excuse'
Tottenham have released a statement defending Kevin Danso in the aftermath of racist abuse he suffered, insisting their poor Premier League form is no excuse
Tottenham have come out and defended Kevin Danso after the centre-half was subjected to racial abuse in the aftermath of his side's draw with Brighton - which further harmed their survival hopes.
The north Londoners remain in the bottom three after letting their lead slip against the Seagulls. It was Georginio Rutter who scored their equaliser in stoppage time, with his goal coming after Danso was dispossessed inside his own box.
The Tottenham defender was criticised for taking a touch rather than clearing his lines first time, and he's been subjected to the brunt of anger on social media, with some comments crossing the line.
Tottenham have come out and hammered the "abhorrent racist abuse," as they signalled their intent to take immediate action and work with the Metropolitan Police to find those responsible.
A club statement read: "Since yesterday’s fixture against Brighton, which took place during the Premier League’s No Room For Racism weekend, Kevin Danso has been, and continues to be, subject to significant and abhorrent racist abuse on social media. We have heard and seen vile, dehumanising racism. Behaviour that is without doubt a criminal offence. It will not be tolerated.
"The club is taking immediate action. We are reporting all identified content to the Metropolitan Police and to the appropriate authorities in the country where perpetrators reside, as well as to relevant social media platforms. We will push for the strongest possible action against each and every person we identify."
Tottenham had twice led and, with less than 15 minutes to go, thought they'd landed a winner when Xavi Simons scored to put them 2-1 in front. They couldn't hold on and remain a point behind West Ham, who are still to play on matchweek 32, with Roberto De Zerbi still seeking his first win.
Regardless of their dire season, Tottenham made it clear that racism is not tolerated. They said: "Nothing about form or league position can ever excuse or explain racist abuse. There is no connection between performance on the pitch and the right to target a player with discrimination. Criticism of performances is part of the game. Racism is not."
De Zerbi remains confident Tottenham can ensure they don't suffer relegation for the first time since 1977. He said: "If you watch the players, if you analyse the level of the players, I think we can win five games in a row."