Leeds condemn racist abuse of Jayden Bogle after 1-0 win over Tottenham

Leeds United have condemned online racist abuse directed at defender Jayden Bogle following Saturday's 1-0 win over Tottenham at Elland Road, after Bogle escaped punishment for a first-half tackle on Spurs forward Mathys Tel that left the player hobbling off.

The 26-year-old full-back has scored one goal this season and had appeared in all 10 of Leeds' Premier League matches to that point. Referee John Brooks opted not to send Bogle off after a lengthy video assistant referee review, with replays showing the studs of Bogle's boot caught the back of Tel's ankle. Tottenham say they are set to submit a formal complaint about the decision and will write to refereeing body Pro Ref to seek an explanation.

Leeds said they had been "appalled" by the racist abuse and condemned the behaviour "in the strongest possible terms". "There is no place for racism in football or society," a club statement read. "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."

Bogle reportedly disabled comments on his Instagram account on Saturday after Leeds' win at Elland Road. On Sunday, Leeds published a selection of the messages Bogle had received, with his permission, to highlight their severity.

Tottenham said they had been "disgusted" by the abuse suffered by Bogle and offered their support in identifying those responsible. "We will pursue every available avenue to ensure they are identified and face the full consequences of their actions," read the club's statement. "Regardless of club allegiances and on-pitch results, no-one should ever stand alone in the face of this."

The incident follows earlier episodes of online racist abuse linked to Premier League matches this year. Tottenham defender Kevin Danso was targeted in April, the weekend after Sunderland's Brian Brobbey had been abused following a match against Spurs. Four further incidents in February — affecting Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri, Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana, Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare and Sunderland winger Romaine Mundle — prompted a police investigation.

Anti-discrimination group Kick It Out said in April that reports of online abuse were at record levels, increasing by a third compared to the previous season. At that time UK Football Policing Unit deputy director Mike Ankers told BBC Radio 5 Live it had seen an increase of about 115% in the number of reports of online abuse.

Okafor's goal secured Leeds' 1-0 victory over Spurs, ending a five-game winless run and providing the club's first win since September.

Tottenham are set to submit a formal complaint about the decision not to send Bogle off and will write to refereeing body Pro Ref to seek an explanation, and Leeds said: "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."