How Did Spurs React to Racist Abuse of Mathys Tel?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Tottenham Hotspur condemned the racial abuse aimed at Mathys Tel.
- The club labeled the offenders as cowards.
- Tel displayed courage by stepping up to take a penalty.
- Spurs were close to winning their second trophy in three months.
- Club plans to take action against the abusers.
London, Aug 14 (NationPress) Tottenham Hotspur has issued a strong condemnation of the racist abuse aimed at forward Mathys Tel following their loss to Paris St-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup, labeling the offenders as cowards.
This marked Spurs' inaugural appearance in the UEFA Super Cup, which ended in a gut-wrenching penalty shootout loss after they squandered a two-goal advantage. Tel, aged 20, came on as a substitute in the 79th minute and was among two Spurs players who could not convert their penalties.
The France Under-21 international, who sealed a permanent transfer worth £30 million after initially joining on loan in January, faced a wave of abuse on social media after missing his penalty attempt.
“We are appalled by the racial abuse directed at Mathys Tel on social media after last night’s UEFA Super Cup defeat,” Spurs stated. “Mathys displayed bravery and courage to step up for a penalty, yet those who abuse him are just cowards - hiding behind anonymous usernames and profiles to express their despicable views,” they added.
The club has pledged to collaborate with authorities and social media platforms to take the strongest possible action against the abusers.
Tel made 20 appearances for Spurs last season, netting three goals and was an unused substitute during their victory over Manchester United in the Europa League final.
Europa League champions Spurs were leading 2-0 with just six minutes remaining and were on the verge of capturing their second trophy in three months. However, a late surge allowed PSG to equalize and take the thrilling match to penalties.
Although Vitinha missed PSG's opening penalty, Van de Ven and Mathys Tel both failed to score for Spurs. Ultimately, it was left to Nuno Mendes to calmly convert the decisive fifth penalty, granting the French side their first-ever Super Cup victory.