Tottenham have condemned the “vile, dehumanising racism” aimed at the defender Kevin Danso after Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Brighton. Danso was at fault for Georginio Rutter’s stoppage-time equaliser which left Spurs languishing in the relegation zone. The club say they have reported to the police racist abuse towards the Austria centre-back on social media.

“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,” Spurs said in a club statement.

“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. Kevin has our complete and unconditional support as a player and as a person. No one at this club will ever stand alone in the face of this.

“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.”

Danso shared the statement on his Instagram account, and added in a separate post: “I’ve seen the comments. The racist abuse has no place in this game or anywhere. But it doesn’t define me, and it won’t distract me from what is important. I know who I am, what I stand for, and why I play.”

The Premier League also issued a statement on X in support of Danso, warning: “Any individuals identified and found guilty of discrimination will face the strongest possible consequences, including club bans and legal prosecution.”

The statement added: “Discriminatory abuse has absolutely no place in football or wider society. Anybody who chooses to abuse others is not welcome in our game and they are not a true fan.

“It is clear that more needs to be done to address this issue and we will work alongside clubs, football bodies, law enforcement and social media companies to ensure this remains a priority for all.”

Xavi Simons consoles Kevin Danso at full time after Tottenham’s 2-2 draw with Brighton. Photograph: Elli Birch/IPS/Shutterstock

Xavi: De Zerbi taking Spurs in ‘right direction’

Xavi Simons believes Tottenham are moving in the right direction under Roberto De Zerbi despite the team conceding a late equaliser at home to Brighton on Saturday.

“The goal in the last minute hurts,” Xavi told SpursPlay. “I think the fans were fantastic and we have to keep working through this. You could see the atmosphere that was in the stadium from the first minute and we as players feel that as well.”

Xavi, whose spectacular goal in the 77th minute looked set to earn a vital win, added: “What I can say is we are really working hard to go through this situation. The new manager is coming in so we have to adapt on things, but we are going in the right direction and we are going to work hard for the last five games.

“I have been through a difficult journey I would say this season, but it is life and I am still young and I have to learn things. I am really happy the coach is here … I want to play football, I want to score and assist and I want to help the team to go through this situation together.”

De Zerbi was delighted with Xavi’s performance, but feels there is more to come. “He played very well,” the manager said. “A great game. I think he can play better and better, because a player like this, he needs to feel confidence from the manager and I stay here to transfer all the confidence he needs.” PA Media