October 2 – Tottenham Hotspur have condemned racist abuse directed at fullback Destiny Udogie on social media following Saturday’s 2-1 home win against Liverpool.
Once again hugely impressive down the left flank, the 20-year-old was involved in one of the game’s major less savoury talking points in the second half and was the victim of racist abuse online following the match.
Already down one player down following Curtis Jones’ straight red card, Liverpool were reduced to nine med in the 69thminute after Diogo Jota was dismissed for two bookable offences. having been adjudged to have fouled Udogie on both occasions.
Spurs went on to win the fixture in the dying seconds and afterwards the Italian under-21 international posted on social media to celebrate, only to receive a number of racist messages.
“We are disgusted at the racist messages directed towards Destiny Udogie on social media following Saturday’s game against Liverpool. We will work with the Premier League and, where possible, take action against any individual we are able to identify,” Tottenham said in a statement.
Anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out said it was “appalled” to see Udogie targeted.
Troy Townsend, head of player engagement at the organisation, said “no amount of controversy or high emotion surrounding a game can ever warrant this abhorrent outburst.”
“We are extremely concerned that players are being continually targeted on social media following games in the worst possible terms and it is vital that those responsible are held to account. High-profile players have been targeted almost every weekend since the season began in August.
“This worrying trend is a sad reminder of how much work remains to combat discrimination in football, and it is vital that social media companies help address this problem with the seriousness it requires. We have received several reports regarding the racist abuse targeting Udogie and have shared these reports with the relevant authorities.”
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