Tottenham Hotspur defender Kevin Danso has said racist abuse directed at him will not affect his mentality or performances after the Tottenham Hotspur defender was targeted on social media following a Premier League match.
Tottenham reported the abuse to police and condemned it as “vile” and “dehumanising” after their 2–2 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion on 18 April.
Speaking to ITV News on Sunday, the 27-year-old Austria international said he decided to speak publicly about the incident after previously experiencing racism earlier in his career while playing in Germany.
“The last time I did experience it, I was very young and I didn’t tell anybody about it.
“This time it was important to say something and make sure people are aware I’ve seen it,” he said.
Despite the abuse, Danso said it would not impact his focus on the pitch.
“It’s not going to make me play any different.
“There’s no need for it and you’re wasting your time,” he said.
Danso, who has previously spoken about facing racism while growing up in Austria, said he has learned how to cope with such incidents but stressed that discrimination has no place in football.
“I try not to let it affect how I feel about myself or my performance.
“It doesn’t define me and it doesn’t belong in the world of football,” he averred.
The incident comes amid ongoing efforts by football authorities to combat discrimination, including the Premier League’s “No Room For Racism” campaign. Clubs and governing bodies continue to call for stronger action against online abuse directed at players.
