Tottenham Hotspur defender Jan Vertonghen has apologised to Chelsea's Antonio Rüdiger after the German heard racist chants directed towards him in the Blues' 2-0 win in the London derby on Sunday.
After raising his concerns to captain César Azpilicueta and then the referee, three announcements were made in the stadium to implore fans to stop. Spurs have since launched an investigation into the accusations, while Rüdiger called for strict consequences.
It is really sad to see racism again at a football match, but I think it's very important to talk about it in public. If not, it will be forgotten again in a couple of days (as always). (1/4)
— Antonio Rüdiger (@ToniRuediger) December 22, 2019
The incident marred what was an exciting London derby between two fierce rivals. Speaking to the Evening Standard, Vertonghen insisted that anyone found guilty of racism is not welcome at Spurs.
“I didn’t hear anything [myself], but if these things are still happening it is a disgrace and we should act strong against it," Vertonghen confessed.
“I have got no idea how people still, or ever, thought this way. Sometimes you think people are smarter than this. I am very convinced it is a minority, but it is very wrong.
“I don’t know if it is getting worse. It shouldn’t be there in any way. I just can’t get my head around how people still do this. I have got no words for it. If any of their players or our players are affected then I apologise in the name of Spurs but they are a minority and idiots. We don’t identify with these people."
This incident is just the latest in a worryingly long list of racism accusations in English football. A Manchester City fan was recently arrested for allegedly abusing United midfielder Fred, and Vertonghen admitted that the FA need to take stronger action to eradicate the issue.
“I don’t know how you fix these idiots but this is an opportunity for the right people to act strong against it. Not just in this country. It is a problem everywhere and this is another opportunity to make a statement.
“I always see England as one of the countries who are ahead in the multicultural society.
“In England they act strong and maybe they have to act even stronger. I think outside of the UK, and I am talking about UEFA and other football associations in European countries, they can do better.”
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Source : 90min