Tottenham release strong statement as Mathys Tel suffers racist abuse after PSG Super Cup defeat

Tottenham have released a strongly-worded statement after forward Mathys Tel suffered racist abuse on social media following the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday night.

Tel was one of two Spurs players to miss his spot-kick in the penalty shootout defeat to Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday night, with Micky van de Ven the other to miss from 12 yards.

Spurs had looked on course to lift the trophy in Udine, Italy, leading 2-0 in the final 10 minutes. Van de Ven had opened the scoring in the first half, with central defensive teammate Cristian Romero making it two in the second half.

READ MORE: Crystal Palace demand, transfer deadline and how Tottenham beat Arsenal to Eberechi Eze

READ MORE: Joao Palhinha makes special Tottenham promise after being told off in PSG game

But after a huge effort, Tottenham could not quite get over the line with PSG substitutes Lee Kang-In and Goncalo Ramos minute steering the match into a shootout via goals in the 84th and 95th minute.

PSG would run out 4-3 winners, however, to lift the Super Cup, but a superb Tottenham performance was soured by the social media abuse received by Tel in the aftermath of the contest.

And Tottenham have confirmed that they will be looking for the "strongest possible action" against anyone they are able to identify in an investigation into the abuse.

In a statement, Spurs said: "We are disgusted at the racial abuse that Mathys Tel has received on social media following last night’s UEFA Super Cup defeat.

"Mathys showed bravery and courage to step forward and take a penalty, yet those who abuse him are nothing but cowards - hiding behind anonymous usernames and profiles to spout their abhorrent views.

"We will work with the authorities and social media platforms to take the strongest possible action against any individual we are able to identify.

"We stand with you, Mathys."

Tel has also received plenty of support on social media, following the racism.