Last week’s clash between Chelsea and Tottenham simply had everything. Despite an uneventful first half that saw only a wonder debut goal from Kalidou Koulibaly, the second half of the game quickly became an entertainer.
Three goals coming in the second period which also included a Harry Kane stoppage time equaliser capped off a spectacular second-half show from either side on the pitch. To accompany the goal fest, there was also much controversy surrounding Tottenham’s first equaliser from Hojbjerg.
Referee Anthony Taylor who has been alleged to be an anti-Chelsea official due to the numerous calls given against the Blues was once again blamed by fans of the club after he failed to stop play for challenges on Marc Cucurella and Kai Havertz in the build-up to the Spurs goal.
This also sent both dugouts into a frenzy as Antonio Conte and Thomas Tuchel were spotted squaring up to one another during the game and also managed to procure red cards from Anthony Taylor after the full-time whistle.
While these developments inside Stamford Bridge surely entertained football fans watching the game, it looks like there were a few dark elements on display as well on the side-lines.
As per an image from the game, it appears that Spurs man Son Heung-min was targeted with racist abuse from a Chelsea fan in the stand as the South Korean was setting up to take a corner.
In the photo, the Blues supporter circled in yellow can be seen making slant eye gestures at the Asian player as he was placing the ball in the corner of Shed End during the second half.
Following the game, Chelsea released a statement condemning the actions of the fan and also announced that the club is in the process of investigating the incident in the stands.
“Chelsea FC has consistently made its zero-tolerance position on discriminatory behaviour very clear, yet there are still idiots like this that attach themselves to this club as so-called ‘fans’, which shames Chelsea FC, our coaches, players, staff and our true supporters,” said the statement posted on the club’s website.
Throughout his time in north London, the 30-year-old has often been the target of racial abuse from local supporters in the country sometimes occurring even online.
In April 2021, as per reports the South Korean was abused by a group of 12 men on Twitter following Spurs’ 3-1 win against Manchester United. Following a series of raids from the Metropolitan Police, the culprits were apprehended for ‘stirring up racial hatred.’ Those apprehended faced strict action from the authorities and were all commissioned to write written apologies to Son.
Despite the constant airing of the message against racism in football, these hate actions are still being faced by foreign nationals such as Son across European leagues. Although league and club authorities have worked with the police to stop such abuse, it looks like there is still a lot more work to be done.
