Leeds United have condemned “disgusting” online racist abuse directed at defender Jayden Bogle after their 1-0 Premier League victory over Tottenham on Saturday.
Bogle, 26, was targeted after avoiding punishment for a first-half challenge on Tottenham forward Mathys Tel, who was forced to hobble off following the incident.
The Leeds full-back caught the back of Tel’s ankle with his studs, but referee John Brooks decided not to take action after a lengthy video assistant referee review.
Tottenham are preparing a formal complaint over the decision not to send Bogle off and will write to refereeing body Pro Ref to request an explanation.
Leeds said they were “appalled” by the racist messages posted about Bogle on social media and condemned the abuse “in the strongest possible terms”.
“There is no place for racism in football or society,” the club 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.”
Bogle reportedly disabled comments on his Instagram account after Leeds’ win at Elland Road. On Sunday, Leeds published a selection of messages he had received, with his permission, to demonstrate the severity of the abuse.
“Jayden has the full and unconditional support of the club and his team-mates, and we all stand with him at this time,” Leeds added.
“Nobody should ever be subjected to racist abuse.”
Tottenham also issued a statement on Sunday, saying the club was “disgusted” by the abuse directed at Bogle and had offered its support in identifying those responsible.
“We will pursue every available avenue to ensure they are identified and face the full consequences of their actions,” the statement said.
“Regardless of club allegiances and on-pitch results, no-one should ever stand alone in the face of this.”
Bogle latest Premier League player targeted online
The incident is the latest example this year of a Tottenham player, or an opposition player involved in a match against the club, being subjected to online racist abuse after a Premier League game.
Tottenham defender Kevin Danso was targeted by “vile” abuse in April. The previous weekend, Sunderland forward Brian Brobbey had been subjected to racist abuse following an incident during a match against Tottenham.
Those cases came after four incidents in the same weekend in February, when Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri, Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana, Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare and Sunderland winger Romaine Mundle were targeted.
The incidents prompted a police investigation.
Anti-discrimination organisation Kick It Out said in April that reports of online abuse had reached record levels, with the number increasing by a third compared with the previous season.
At the time, UK Football Policing Unit deputy director Mike Ankers told BBC Radio 5 Live that the organisation had recorded an increase of about 115% in reports of online abuse.
