Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur have strongly condemned the "disgusting" online racist abuse directed at defender Jayden Bogle following Saturday's Premier League fixture. The 26-year-old full-back, who has scored one goal and featured in all 10 of Leeds' league matches this season, was targeted across social media in the aftermath of his side's 1-0 victory at Elland Road.
The hostility arose after Bogle avoided disciplinary action for a first-half incident involving Mathys Tel, where the defender's studs caught the back of the Tottenham forward's ankle and left him hobbling off. Referee John Brooks decided not to penalise Bogle following an extended review by the video assistant referee. While an Okafor strike secured Leeds their first victory since September and snapped a five-match winless sequence, Tottenham intend to submit a formal complaint and write to refereeing body Pro Ref to demand an explanation regarding the decision not to issue a red card.
Bogle reportedly disabled comments on his Instagram profile on Saturday, and Leeds released a selection of the abusive messages on Sunday with the defender's consent to underline their severity. Leeds declared they were "appalled" by the treatment of their player, stating that Bogle has the "full and unconditional support" of his team-mates while confirming they will work with the Premier League and relevant authorities to pursue severe action. Tottenham also described the abuse as "disgusted," offering their assistance to uncover those responsible and asserting that "regardless of club allegiances and on-pitch results, no-one should ever stand alone."
The targeting of Bogle marks the latest in a string of recent racist incidents surrounding Premier League fixtures. Tottenham defender Kevin Danso was subjected to "vile" abuse in April, coming shortly after Sunderland's Brian Brobbey faced racist attacks following a game against Spurs, while a February weekend brought police investigations after Romaine Mundle, Wesley Fofana, Hannibal Mejbri, and Tolu Arokodare were targeted. Kick It Out stated earlier this year that online abuse reports hit record highs with a one-third rise year-on-year, while UK Football Policing Unit deputy director Mike Ankers previously disclosed on BBC Radio 5 Live that reports of online abuse had surged by around 115%.
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