February 20 – Tottenham Hotspur have called for social media companies to take action after their South Korean forward Son Heung-min, captain of his national team, was subjected to “utterly reprehensible” racist abuse online.
The abuse occurred during Sunday’s 2-0 Premier League victory over West Ham, during which substitute Son scored Spurs’ second goal.
“We have been made aware of the utterly reprehensible online racist abuse directed at Heung-Min Son during today’s match, which has been reported by the club,” Tottenham said. “We stand with Sonny and once again call on the social media companies and authorities to take action.”
The Football Association replied to Tottenham’s tweet, saying: “We strongly condemn the racist abuse aimed at Son Heung-min…
“This has no place in our game and we fully support the authorities and social media companies to take the strongest possible action to tackle it.”
Earlier this season, Chelsea banned a season ticket holder indefinitely for alleged racist abuse of Son.
The latest incident comes after anti-racism group Kick It Out demanded “meaningful reforms” after Brentford striker Ivan Toney was targeted on Instagram.
Toney was racially abused after his controversial equaliser against Arsenal, which should have been ruled out by VAR for offside
Kick It Out have now reiterated calls for the government to pass its online safety bill.
“We are disgusted to hear reports of online abuse targeted at Heung-Min Son following Tottenham Hotspur’s Premier League game against West Ham on Sunday,” a statement from Kick It Out read.
“Seven days previously, Brentford striker Ivan Toney was racially abused on social media; now it is Heung-Min Son.
“Both have been targeted in the past. The longer it takes social media companies to take action, or government to pass the online safety bill, the more players will be abused.
“Are players just expected to take the abuse while we wait for reform? Players should not be victims, they need better protection online, and this is why change needs to come quickly.
“We will continue to work tirelessly with our partners across the game to ensure that those responsible for perpetrating discriminatory abuse face the strongest possible consequences for their actions.”
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