The Mirror

Tottenham release statement after star faces racist abuse - 'League position no excuse'

Tottenham have released a statement defending Kevin Danso in the aftermath of racist abuse he suffered, insisting their poor Premier League form is no excuse

Tottenham have come out and defended Kevin Danso after the centre-half was subjected to racial abuse in the aftermath of his side's draw with Brighton - which further harmed their survival hopes.

The north Londoners remain in the bottom three after letting their lead slip against the Seagulls. It was Georginio Rutter who scored their equaliser in stoppage time, with his goal coming after Danso was dispossessed inside his own box.

The Tottenham defender was criticised for taking a touch rather than clearing his lines first time, and he's been subjected to the brunt of anger on social media, with some comments crossing the line.

Tottenham have come out and hammered the "abhorrent racist abuse," as they signalled their intent to take immediate action and work with the Metropolitan Police to find those responsible.

A club statement read: "Since yesterday’s fixture against Brighton, which took place during the Premier League’s No Room For Racism weekend, Kevin Danso has been, and continues to be, subject to significant and abhorrent racist abuse on social media. We have heard and seen vile, dehumanising racism. Behaviour that is without doubt a criminal offence. It will not be tolerated.

"The club is taking immediate action. We are reporting all identified content to the Metropolitan Police and to the appropriate authorities in the country where perpetrators reside, as well as to relevant social media platforms. We will push for the strongest possible action against each and every person we identify."

Tottenham had twice led and, with less than 15 minutes to go, thought they'd landed a winner when Xavi Simons scored to put them 2-1 in front. They couldn't hold on and remain a point behind West Ham, who are still to play on matchweek 32, with Roberto De Zerbi still seeking his first win.

Regardless of their dire season, Tottenham made it clear that racism is not tolerated. They said: "Nothing about form or league position can ever excuse or explain racist abuse. There is no connection between performance on the pitch and the right to target a player with discrimination. Criticism of performances is part of the game. Racism is not."

De Zerbi remains confident Tottenham can ensure they don't suffer relegation for the first time since 1977. He said: "If you watch the players, if you analyse the level of the players, I think we can win five games in a row."

Tottenham were left feeling sick after conceding a 95th-minute equaliser at home to Brighton, having been on the cusp of jumping out of the Premier League relegation zone

Defiant Roberto De Zerbi has reminded Tottenham's players that 'it's not finished yet' after they were left heartbroken against Brighton. Spurs were on course to move out of the relegation zone before conceding in the 95th minute on Saturday.

Georginio Rutter capitalised on a mistake from Kevin Danso to snatch an equaliser after Xavi Simons had given Tottenham a precious lead in the second half. Brighton had fought back earlier in the game when Kaoru Mitoma cancelled out Pedro Porro's opening goal.

It was, though, a much-improved performance from Spurs compared to last Sunday's drab 1-0 defeat at Sunderland, De Zerbi's first game in charge. The Italian was happy with his side's display and felt 'positive' despite the late goal.

"If we are able to give our best, it's not finished yet," De Zerbi told Sky Sports post-match. "I said to (the players) be strong, to follow me again and again because I want to help them.

WORLD CUP LEGENDS: The stars who lit up football's greatest tournament - Buy the Special Edition today

"They can change the mentality because that is the most important part. Now it's too easy to think negative, but we have to be focused on this performance and work to find the condition to win again. I am positive because I know my players, I know their qualities. I know them like people and I believe in them."

De Zerbi added: "I am positive but I am proud of my players. They played a fantastic game with character and spirit. We have to be stronger than this result, we have to move on and prepare the next game and try to win the game at Wolves. If you are strong like today, I think we can compete again."

Goalscorer Porro echoed his manager's sentiment, telling BBC Sport: "I think after the game we don't have time for the disappointment. For me and my team-mates, the best thing is keep pushing, keep going.

Will Tottenham avoid relegation? Give us your prediction in the comments section.

"I think the team today was very good. I think first half was very good for us. The team pressed very well. I think the most important thing now is staying positive."

On Danso's error, Porro added: "I think Kevin had a great game today. This is the point now, we don't have time for mistakes. This is football, it happens. For me, today Kevin was instrumental on the pitch."

Tottenham return to action next Saturday away to Wolves, who could already be relegated. Spurs are currently one point from safety.

Diego Gomez sustained a serious-looking injury playing for Brighton & Hove Albion against Tottenham Hotspur months before the World Cup in North America this summer

Diego Gomez left the pitch in tears after sustaining a serious-looking injury playing for Brighton & Hove Albion in their Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur. The Paraguay international landed awkwardly after challenging for a header and seemed in some distress, presumably because it could be a serious setback before the World Cup.

Gomez, 23, saw his left leg buckle under his weight after rising highest on the halfway line. Danny Welbeck came over to support his stricken teammate.

The midfielder hobbled off, looking in pain, after Brighton staff helped him off. Karou Mitoma replaced Gomez in the 20th minute.

Sky Sports co-commentator Alan Smith said at the time: "It's clearly a genuine injury, and you feel for him, but maybe the stoppage won't hurt Brighton too much. Mitoma's introduction shouldn't unduly disturb them, the same shape."

Over on BBC Radio 5 Live, the former Spurs player Andy Reid said: "Gomez has been in great form. You hope it's not too serious, but the distress on his face, it doesn't look great."

Mitoma went on to equalise for Brighton just before half-time after Pedro Porro had given Tottenham the lead. The substitute fired a first-time volley past goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky.

JOIN US ON FACEBOOK!Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football's Facebook page

That impact helped soften the blow for Brighton. However, it will be of little solace to Gomez or Paraguay less than two months before the World Cup begins.

He scored his third international goal against Greece during the last international break, which proved to be the winner. Gomez also played the full 90 minutes in their other March friendly with Morocco.

The midfielder has started all six of their matches since qualifying for the World Cup last September and is now up to 23 caps for them. He also scored in Paraguay's second goal in a 2-2 draw with Japan.

Gomez has 10 for Brighton thus far this season across all competitions. He recently scored in back-to-back Premier League matches against Brentford and Nottingham Forest.

Danny Welbeck's opener versus Liverpool at Anfield was also assisted by the Paraguayan. Gomez has started all of Brighton's last eight league matches.

At Reach and across our entities we and our partners use information collected through cookies and other identifiers from your device to improve experience on our site, analyse how it is used and to show personalised advertising. You can opt out of the sale or sharing of your data, at any time clicking the "Do Not Sell or Share my Data" button at the bottom of the webpage. Please note that your preferences are browser specific. Use of our website and any of our services represents your acceptance of the use of cookies and consent to the practices described in our Privacy Notice and Terms and Conditions.

Tottenham in 'advanced talks' for Roberto De Zerbi's first signing - but there's a catch

Tottenham's Premier League status is now precarious to say the least, but that hasn't stopped the Spurs hierarchy from planning for the upcoming summer transfer window

Tottenham are in advanced talks to sign Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi - but they'll have to stay in the Premier League. Senesi, 28, is out of contract at the end of this season and plans to join a new club as a free agent.

The Argentine will leave Bournemouth at the same time as his manager, Andoni Iraola, who the club confirmed earlier this week would be leaving upon the expiry of his own contract in June. Senesi has been linked with Manchester United, Chelsea, Barcelona and Juventus, but Tottenham are leading the race.

A report from the Athletic states that Spurs are in advanced talks to sign him on a free transfer. However, Senesi's switch hinges on whether or not Roberto De Zerbi's side avoid relegation.

Tottenham are currently 18th in the Premier League table, languishing two points from safety with five games to go. Although De Zerbi has vowed to stay if they go down to the Championship, attracting players of Senesi's calibre will be difficult.

WORLD CUP LEGENDS: The stars who lit up football's greatest tournament - Buy the Special Edition today

Spurs are also in talks to sign Andy Robertson when he leaves Liverpool on a free, but again the move is likely to depend on whether they're still a Premier League club by the time the summer transfer window opens. Senesi's impending arrival also puts the spotlight on Cristian Romero's future in North Kondon.

The Tottenham captain has been linked with an exit and came off in tears after suffering an injury during Sunday's 1-0 loss at Sunderland. Romero will now miss the remainder of this season and faces a race against time in order to be available for Argentina at the World Cup.

"First of all, Romero loves Tottenham, people have to know he's suffering for this injury, suffering because he can't play for us again this season," De Zerbi told a press conference ahead of Saturday's clash with his former club, Brighton.

Should Marcos Senesi join Tottenham? Have your say in the comments section.

"He's a great captain for us. We have to be positive. We have Radu Dragusin and Kevin Danso, they are able to play, to play well, to give us the quality with the ball and to be strong in the defensive space so we can win. We want to win."

Senesi joined Bournemouth from Dutch giants Feyenoord in 2022 for £10.5million and he's gone on to make more than 100 appearances on the south coast. The 28-year-old helped the Cherries achieve their joint-highest Premier League finish (ninth) last season.

Roberto De Zerbi has reportedly treated the Tottenham Hotspur squad to a luxury meal in a team bonding attempt for the run-in

Roberto De Zerbi has reportedly treated the Tottenham Hotspur squad to a lavish dinner in a bid to unite the group ahead of their crucial run-in. De Zerbi was appointed by Spurs as their new head coach earlier this month, tasked with steering the club away from the Premier League relegation zone.

The Italian's first match in the dugout ended in a 1-0 loss away at Sunderland on Sunday – a result that leaves Tottenham rooted in 18th place, two points from safety with just six matches remaining.

This Saturday sees Tottenham take on De Zerbi's former side Brighton in the Premier League, and ahead of that clash it appears the new Spurs chief has already moved to lift spirits within the dressing room. The Telegraph has reported that De Zerbi treated the Spurs squad at the Bacchanalia restaurant in Mayfair on Wednesday evening.

The report suggests the outing was designed to strengthen team spirit amongst the Tottenham players, with De Zerbi also urging his squad to communicate more effectively as the high-stakes run-in approaches. The Bacchanalia boasts sculptures crafted by Damien Hirst, alongside a lavish menu featuring a leg of lamb priced at £130.

De Zerbi's team bonding gesture mirrors a tactic employed by his predecessor Igor Tudor, who also took the Tottenham squad out for a meal before his first game in charge back in February. The new Spurs boss has already delivered a passionate rallying call to his players ahead of the final six matches of the season as they battle to preserve their top-flight status.

JOIN US ON FACEBOOK!Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football's Facebook page

“First of all, the players of Tottenham are all good guys, and they are suffering for this moment,” De Zerbi stated after the defeat to Sunderland. “They are not happy when we lose the game or they are not happy to see Tottenham at the bottom of the table, for sure.

“But we have to find the energy, we have to find the right spirit to be positive, to think during the week when they stay with me. For sure, they will see a positive coach because I believe in their qualities.

"Because we are Tottenham, but we have not (got the right) to win the game just because we are Tottenham. You can't win the game with the paper. You have to win the game showing the quality on the pitch, the fighting on the pitch.

“You have to score the goal, and you have not to concede the goal, for sure. But they are human, and they are suffering maybe too much and altogether we have to stay close, to be positive, to work, to improve in the details, in the football, but to be better as a mentality."

Tottenham are stranded in the relegation zone with just six games to go, and the prospect of playing Championship football next season is becoming a daunting reality

Tottenham have been told that they won't come straight back up to the Premier League next season if their shock relegation is confirmed. Spurs are languishing two points from safety in 18th place, having been plunged into the relegation zone last week.

A sickening cocktail of results including Sunday's limp 1-0 loss away to Sunderland, wins for both West Ham and Leeds, and a draw for Nottingham Forest at the weekend has given new manager Roberto De Zerbi an even tougher task than when he signed his five-year contract last month.

De Zerbi insists that he'll be in charge next term come what may, suggesting that he'd be up for the fight in the Championship. But ex-Premier League defender Mikael Silvestre reckons that 'shambolic' Spurs will be in England's second tier for a least two seasons if they go down next month.

"The issue they now have is that they look like they are going down - and I believe they will be relegated," Silvestre told Ladbrokes at the launch of Ladisfaction. "But once they do go down, how difficult is it for that team to jump back in and get promoted again?

WORLD CUP LEGENDS: The stars who lit up football's greatest tournament - Buy the Special Edition today

"You know, the players who are there now… I don't think they have the mentality to play in the Championship. They have got a huge task on their hands in the summer if they do go down… and that looks more and more likely to be the case."

The former Manchester United and Arsenal star also outlined the rigours of Championship football, telling Tottenham's players that 'technical qualities are not enough' for promotion to the top flight. "You know, in that division, you need to show certain characteristics, you need to fight, you need to win scruffy games; it's not just about being technical," Silvestre added.

Will Tottenham get relegated? Give us your prediction in the comments section.

"And so far this season, we haven't seen any of those characteristics, so it's not to say if they went down, they would come straight back up. It's such a tough and demanding division, you know.

"Technical qualities are not enough. Between now and the end of the season, it’s not about playing well at all; it's about fighting and grabbing points."

Tottenham Hotspur star Richarlison has discussed his mental health struggles

Tottenham Hotspur star Richarlison has admitted he considered crashing his car into a wall during a battle with depression. The forward was deeply affected by the pressure that surrounded him following Brazil’s exit at the World Cup 2022.

From the outside, the World Cup was a positive experience for the 28-year-old, whose bicycle kick against Serbia won the goal of the tournament. The Spurs forward had been given the honour of leading the line for the five-time World Cup winners.

He scored three goals in total but could not prevent his country from being eliminated by Croatia on penalties in the quarter-finals. However, the disappointment took a toll on his mental health and Richarlison has shared how his thoughts began to spiral.

"One day, while driving, I thought about crashing into a wall,” Richarlison said to France Football. “Today, when I think about it, I tell myself it's pointless.”

JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football's Facebook page

He continued: "After the 2022 World Cup, I fell into a depression. Every possible misfortune befell me: the elimination, my agent's betrayal, family problems, physical setbacks... For a year and a half, I suffered blow after blow every single day.”

Having signed for Spurs from Everton in the summer of 2022, the striker ended his first season with just one league goal. However, through working with a psychologist, Richarlison rediscovered a more positive mindset.

"It was the first time I had to deal with so many problems,” he explained. ”In all that chaos, I met an honest lawyer who put my affairs and assets in order. I worked with a psychologist and, most importantly, I met my wife."

As the World Cup 2026 approaches, the former Everton icon plans to take Manchester United midfielder Casemiro’s advice and not look at social media if he is named in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad. However, it is not the first time that Richarlison has given an insight into his struggles with depression.

In March 2024, during a heartfelt interview with ESPN Brasil, the Spurs striker said: “I was reaching my limit, you know? I don’t know, I’m not going to talk about killing myself, but I was in a depression there, and I wanted to give up.”

He added: “Today I can say, look for a psychologist, if you need a psychologist, look for one because it’s nice for you to open up like that, for you to be talking to the person.

“Today a (psychologist) came to thank me for taking this to the world of football, to the world, outside the pitch too, because it is very important and, whether we like it or not, it saves lives.

“I had this prejudice before, I thought it was nonsense, I thought I was crazy. In my family, there are people who think that anyone who goes to a psychologist thinks they are crazy, they think they are insane. But I discovered this and thought it was wonderful. The best thing, really the best discovery I’ve ever had in my life.”

Richarlison has scored 10 goals in 38 appearances for Spurs this season. He most recently played for Brazil in October 2025.

What every Tottenham star will earn if relegation clauses are triggered - with thousands lost

Tottenham have a contingency plan which would see players' wages slashed if they are relegated to the Championship

Tottenham players face a huge hit to their earnings if the club suffers relegation this season. It would have been inconceivable prior to this season that Spurs would find themselves embroiled in a relegation battle, even with their 17th-place finish last term due to an injury crisis.

But after two managerial sackings and 32 matches played, Tottenham sit 18th in the Premier League, two points adrift of safety. Even the recent arrival of Roberto De Zerbi has failed to spark a turnaround, as the Lilywhites suffered a 1-0 loss at Sunderland at the weekend, which saw them officially drop into the relegation zone for the first time.

With captain Cristian Romero limping off the pitch in tears, there is little to feel positive about for a side that hasn't claimed a single Premier League victory in 2026. Yet, there remains a powerful incentive for the players to dig deep in the final six games of the season - not just for their own pride, but for financial reasons too.

JOIN US ON FACEBOOK!Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football's Facebook page

That's because Spurs chiefs have put in place strict financial contingency clauses that would see their squad of stars take a major hit to their wages should they be relegated to the Championship. If the unthinkable were to occur, players remaining at the club could see their weekly earnings cut by as much as 50 per cent, according to The Athletic.

For example, summer signing Xavi Simons and captain Romero would experience the most substantial wage reduction, with their reported current £195,000 deals dropping to £97,500 per week.

This 'relegation protection' clause is designed to ensure the financial books remain balanced. It is understood to be a significantly higher reduction than the standard industry average, which usually sees players lose around 20 to 30 per cent of their salary following a drop to the English second tier.

Players would have been made aware of such clauses linked to poor on-pitch results when joining the club or signing a new deal. The measure would also mean Spurs face less pressure to hastily offload players if they suffer relegation - but there is a genuine possibility several players would refuse such a dramatic reduction in their pay packet and may look for a transfer away.

Mirror Football now examines Spurs' wage bill compared to what it could resemble by the summer after a 50 per cent cut across all player salaries, with the current 2026/27 payroll figures supplied by Spotrac:

Xavi Simons: £195,000 > £97,500

Cristian Romero: £195,000 > £97,500

James Maddison: £170,000 > £85,000

Conor Gallagher: £160,000 > £80,000

Mohamed Kudus: £150,000 > £75,000

Dominic Solanke: £140,000 > £70,000

Dejan Kulusevski: £110,000 > £55,000

Micky van de Ven: £90,000 > £45,000

Richarlison: £90,000 > £45,000

Pedro Porro: £85,000 > £42,500

Radu Dragusin: £85,000 > £42,500

Guglielmo Vicario: £75,000 > £37,500

Destiny Udogie: £75,000 > £37,500

Archie Gray: £75,000 > £37,500

Pape Sarr: £70,000 > £35,000

Kevin Danso: £65,000 > £32,500

Manor Solomon: £60,000 > £30,000

Lucas Bergvall: £60,000 > £30,000

Mathys Tel: £55,000 > £27,500

Djed Spence: £40,000 > £20,000

Leeds landed a stunning win at Manchester United to give their Premier League survival hopes a huge boost whilst results for West Ham and Nottingham Forest has seen Tottenham finally slip into the relegation zone

The relegation picture took some huge turns across the course of the weekend and into Monday with West Ham jumping out of the bottom three for the first time since November and Leeds landing a shock three points at Manchester United.

Wolves and Burnley are as good as gone, even if mathematically there's a minute chance of survival, which has left us with a sum of one from four.

West Ham, Leeds and even Nottingham Forest were tipped to be in the bottom half this term, but Tottenham's demise has been one of the stories of the season. They were the only one of the quartet to pick up zero points across the weekend and, as crazy as it might sound, they are the ones now destined for the Championship.

That's right, the team with the ninth highest revenue in world football, according to Deloitte, are facing the prospect of a year in the Championship. Roberto De Zerbi has been hired with a big reputation, and needs to have a big impact pretty swiftly.

Leeds' victory in Manchester was three points they, and their relegation rivals, won't have foreseen. The Yorkshire side could have the greatest say over the team who finishes 18th given they still need to play four of the bottom five.

Tottenham are the bookies' favourite to go down, but it is still scarcely believable, despite two dire seasons, to imagine that state-of-the-art stadium hosting Championship football. Mirror Football casts its eye over the relegation picture with four teams, who seem to be going in very different directions, desperate to avoid the drop.

Leeds

Remaining games: Wolves (H), Bournemouth (A), Burnley (H), Tottenham (A), Brighton (H), West Ham (A)

The win at Old Trafford came out of nowhere, but boy was it timely for the Yorkshire outfit. Their season shifted on an afternoon in Manchester, when they changed to a back five system whilst losing at Manchester City, and it inspired a change in performance that could see them remain a Premier League side.

Leeds have been tough to beat, but equally found it hard to win games. Since losing at the Etihad they've drawn ten times, only lost four, but equally won just five.

Daniel Farke's side will believe that they have their destiny in their own hands owing to their fixtures, whilst they are only four points off hitting that magic 40-point total. Leeds play Wolves and Burnley at home over the coming weeks.

They still need to head to the capital twice. They face Tottenham and, on the last day, take on West Ham. That match against the Hammers could determine one, or both, of their top-flight status.

Nottingham Forest

Remaining games: Burnley (H), Sunderland (A), Chelsea (A), Newcastle (H), Man Utd (A), Bournemouth (H)

The City Ground has seen four men occupy the home dugout, and such managerial turnover is never going to result in a successful season. Vitor Pereira, who began the year in charge at Wolves, is trying to piece together the work done by Nuno Espirito Santo, Ange Postecoglou and Sean Dyche.

Forest's stunning season last time out afforded them even more finances to invest in new players, and they boast a squad that should have too much, but you'd say the same about Tottenham.

England duo Morgan Gibbs-White and Elliot Anderson will need to step up in their final six games, which are not overly favourable once they play Burnley this weekend. They still need to play Chelsea, Manchester United and Newcastle. It is also worth noting that, whilst it might be a generational journey, their Europa League campaign places more demand on their resources and could extend further if they get past Porto this week.

West Ham

Remaining games: Crystal Palace (A), Everton (H), Brentford (A), Arsenal (H), Newcastle (A), Leeds (H)

The Hammers have only lost three of their last 11 games, hitting form at an ideal time as Nuno bids to keep West Ham in the top flight. Since January they've beaten Tottenham, Burnley and Wolves, but their run-in is less than ideal. They play a number of teams who themselves have plenty to play for.

In successive weeks they take on European-chasing Everton and Brentford before hosting title hopefuls Arsenal. All eyes are likely to be on their final day showdown with Leeds. The ideal situation for the Hammers is that Farke's charges are already safe, leaving the game as a dead rubber for them.

Discontent among the fanbase is arguably at an all-time high and relegation could spell huge problems off the pitch for West Ham.

Tottenham

Remaining games: Brighton (H), Wolves (A), Aston Villa (A), Leeds (H), Chelsea (A), Everton (H)

It could be the story of not only this season, but of recent times. The collapse on the red side of north London has caught the attention, but Tottenham's downfall has been more of a slow death rather than a sudden drop.

Tottenham have thrown huge sums at De Zerbi, who is highly-rated, but the Italian has little time to work any magic he may have. Tottenham are, incredibly, without a win in the Premier League since 2026 came around, and their performances are offering little by way of hope.

They've been handed damaging defeats by those around them. The 3-0 loss to Nottingham Forest on their own patch recently helped spell the end of Igor Tudor, who was gone in a flash.

Tottenham, still the holders of the Europa League title, will almost certainly go down as the best group of players to ever get relegated if they do indeed drop down to the Championship. Their trip to Wolves and a home game with Leeds could yet yield six points, but that would likely still leave them short. Meaning Tottenham need to find some inspiration from somewhere very soon.