Tottenham have said they are “disgusted” after forward Mathys Tel received racial abuse on social media after Wednesday night’s UEFA Super Cup defeat to Paris St Germain.
Tel missed a spot-kick in a penalty shoot-out, which Tottenham lost 4-3 after they had surrendered a late 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 after 90 minutes.
The France Under-21s international, whose loan deal from Bayern Munich was made permanent in a £30million deal in June, was targeted with abuse 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.
Mathys showed bravery and courage to step forward and take a penalty, yet those who abuse him are nothing but cowards – hiding behind anonymous… pic.twitter.com/rOF1WYeos4
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) August 14, 2025
Tottenham said in a statement: “We are disgusted at the racial abuse that Mathys Tel has received on social media following last night’s UEFA Super Cup defeat.
“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.
“We will work with the authorities and social media platforms to take the strongest possible action against any individual we are able to identify. We stand with you, Mathys.”
Tottenham led 2-0 until the 85th minute at the Bluenergy Stadium in Udine, Italy, through goals from Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero before late efforts from Lee Kang-in and Goncalo Ramos hauled PSG level.
Richarlison also backed Tel and insisted “something has to change” following this latest incident of racism on social media.
Winning or losing, getting it wrong or right, it’s all part of the game. Racism is not! Tel is still a young lad, great player at the beginning of his journey… and doesn't deserve this, just like anyone else.
This type of behaviour has no place anywhere anymore. I hope these…
— Richarlison Andrade (@richarlison97) August 14, 2025
He said on X: “Winning or losing, getting it wrong or right, it’s all part of the game. Racism is not!
“Tel is still a young lad, great player at the beginning of his journey… and doesn’t deserve this, just like anyone else.
“This type of behaviour has no place anywhere anymore. I hope these people (if I can even call them that) are severely punished!!
“It’s so easy to hide behind a social media profile spreading hate and this kind of speech. Something has to change! We’re with you, Tel!”
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