'We Are Disgusted' - Tottenham Slam Racist Abuse Aimed at Mathys Tel After UEFA Super Cup Defeat to PSG

Tottenham Hotspur has come to the defense of forward Mathys Tel, who was subjected to racist abuse online following the UEFA Super Cup match against Paris Saint-Germain, which ended 2-2 and 3-4 on penalties.

Tottenham Hotspur surrendered a two-goal lead before falling 4-3 on penalties, with Tel, who came on as a substitute in the 79th minute, being one of two Spurs players to miss a penalty in the shootout.

Tottenham Hotpsur described those sending abusive messages to the 20-year-old Tel as 'nothing but cowards hiding behind anonymous usernames and profiles.'

The club released a statement expressing their support for Tel: "We are disgusted by the racist abuse directed at Mathys Tel on social media after last night's UEFA Super Cup defeat. Mathys showed courage and bravery in stepping up to take a penalty, but those who have abused him are nothing more than cowards hiding behind anonymous usernames and profiles to express their abhorrent views.

"We will be working with the authorities and social media companies to take the strongest possible action against anyone identified. We stand with you, Mathys."

Tottenham had held a 2-0 lead until the 84th minute and seemed poised to win their second trophy in three months. However, PSG rallied, equalising in the 94th minute with a header from Goncalo Ramos. After misses from Micky van de Ven and Tel, Nuno Mendes secured the victory for PSG with the final penalty.

Tel joined Tottenham on a permanent deal worth approximately £30 million in June after an initial loan spell in January. He made 20 appearances for the club last season, scoring three goals, and was an unused substitute in their Europa League final triumph over Manchester United.

This incident follows recent reports of racist abuse targeting other athletes, including England defender Jess Carter during Euro 2025 and tennis player Katie Boulter.

The Lionesses subsequently stopped taking a knee before matches, citing the need for a more effective approach to combating racism.