Leeds United have vowed to take strong action against those responsible for directing racist abuse at defender Jayden Bogle following their 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.
As reported by BBC Sport, the 26-year-old was targeted with racist messages on social media after escaping a red card for a first-half challenge on Tottenham forward Mathys Tel, who was forced off following the incident.
Bogle caught the back of Tel’s ankle with his studs, but referee John Brooks decided against sending him off after a lengthy Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review.
Tottenham are reportedly preparing a formal complaint to refereeing body Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), seeking an explanation for the decision.
However, the controversy surrounding the challenge was followed by a wave of racist abuse directed at Bogle online.
Leeds condemned the messages in the strongest possible terms, describing themselves as appalled by the behaviour.
The club also shared some of the abusive messages Bogle received, with his permission, to highlight the severity of the incident.
“There is no place for racism in football or society,” Leeds said in a statement.
“The club will work with the Premier League and relevant authorities to identify the individuals and push for the strongest possible action to be taken against them.”
Leeds further assured Bogle of their full support, insisting that nobody should be subjected to racist abuse.
Tottenham also condemned the incident, describing the abuse as disgusting and pledging to support efforts to identify those responsible.
“We will pursue every available avenue to ensure they are identified and face the full consequences of their actions,” Spurs said.
The North London club added that football rivalries and on-pitch results should never be an excuse for racist behaviour.
Bogle reportedly disabled comments on his Instagram account following Saturday’s match as both clubs called for action against online racism.
