Leeds condemn racist abuse aimed at Jayden Bogle after Tottenham win

Leeds United have condemned racist abuse directed at their defender Jayden Bogle, days after a 1-0 Premier League win over Tottenham at Elland Road.

The match was settled by Noah Okafor, who scored two minutes after coming on as a substitute. The win also ended a run of five Premier League games without a victory for Leeds.

The trouble started earlier in the game. In the first half, Bogle caught the back of Mathys Tel's ankle with his studs, the metal or plastic spikes on the sole of a football boot. Tel had to hobble off. Referee John Brooks reviewed the challenge on the pitch-side screen through the video assistant referee (VAR) system, then decided not to send Bogle off. Tottenham are set to make a formal complaint about that decision and will write to Pro Ref, the body that oversees refereeing in English football, for an explanation.

Bogle was then targeted online. According to Leeds United's club statement, he received four messages from four different accounts. The club said it was appalled by the posts and condemned them in the strongest possible terms. Leeds added that they will work with the Premier League and the relevant authorities to identify the people responsible.

Tottenham also spoke out. Their own club statement said they were disgusted that Bogle had been subjected to racist abuse on social media after the match.

Reports suggest Bogle turned off comments on his Instagram account on Saturday, after the win. The 26-year-old has not been quoted publicly on the abuse so far.

Sadly, this is not an isolated problem. Kick It Out, the anti-discrimination group that campaigns against prejudice in football, said in April that reports of online abuse had reached record levels, up by a third on the previous season. Mike Ankers, deputy director of the UK Football Policing Unit, said reports of online abuse had risen by about 115%.

For fans, the case shows two things at once. A row over one tackle can turn into something much uglier, and clubs are now expected to act quickly when it does. Leeds have promised to help track down those responsible. Whether any of the accounts are identified will be the next thing to watch.