Tottenham manager Thomas Frank has urged supporters to show their backing for forward Mathys Tel when Spurs open their Premier League campaign against Burnley on Saturday, following the racist abuse the youngster suffered online this week.
Tel, 20, was subjected to vile racist taunts on social media after missing a penalty in Wednesday’s UEFA Super Cup shoot-out defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. Spurs condemned the abuse as “disgusting,” while teammates Dominic Solanke and Richarlison voiced support for the Frenchman.
Anti-discrimination group Kick It Out warned that such abuse could discourage players from stepping up for penalties in the future.
Speaking on Friday, Frank insisted that Tel must be embraced by the Tottenham faithful:
“It’s terrible what happened to Matty and we’re doing everything we can to support him,” Frank said. “But no real Tottenham supporter would ever do that. The real supporters we’ll see tomorrow will back him, and I expect them to give him a really big cheer.”
Tel is set to feature in the squad alongside midfielder Yves Bissouma, who was omitted from the Super Cup final after disciplinary issues in pre-season. “There was a situation. I addressed this. There was a consequence. Bissouma will be in the squad tomorrow. Move forward and we have a big game,” Frank added.
Spurs remain active in the transfer market, with Eberechi Eze of Crystal Palace and Savinho of Manchester City among reported targets. However, Frank declined to discuss specific names, stressing that chairman Daniel Levy, sporting director Johan Lange, and CEO Vinai Venkatesham are “working night and day” to strengthen the squad.
Saturday’s clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will mark Frank’s Premier League debut as Spurs boss, after he replaced Ange Postecoglou, who was dismissed despite leading the club to Europa League glory.
“I know when I step into the stadium tomorrow I will feel butterflies,” Frank said. “That’ll be special.”
Written By Rodney Mbua
