Black players not to take penalties? Spurs, shame on you!

Kick It Out has raised concerns that racist abuse could discourage Black players from stepping up to take penalties, after Tottenham forward Mathys Tel became the latest victim of online trolling.

The 20-year-old Frenchman missed a crucial penalty in Wednesday’s UEFA Super Cup final against Paris Saint-Germain, with Spurs losing 4–3 in the shootout. By the following morning, Tottenham confirmed that Tel had been subjected to a wave of racist messages across social media platforms, and condemned those responsible.

"We are disgusted at the racial abuse that Mathys Tel has received on social media following last night’s UEFA Super Cup defeat," read the club’s official statement, as they called out the 'cowards' who hide behind anonymous accounts.

Tottenham fans will have the chance for some form of redemption in their Premier League opener against Burnley.

Even with Wednesday’s preseason defeat — essentially a glorified friendly — Tottenham Hotspur moves into the Thomas Frank era carrying optimism. The long wait for silverware has finally ended, new signings remain a hot topic, and there’s a sense of momentum, even if plenty of rebuilding still lies ahead. After last year’s 17th-place disaster, no one expects a repeat, but Frank knows the climb back to Spurs’ rightful level will not be easy.

The journey begins on Saturday with the Premier League opener at home to newly promoted Burnley. The Clarets have been bouncing between divisions in recent years — relegated and promoted in alternating seasons — and once again enter as one of the favorites to go straight back down. On paper, Spurs cannot afford anything less than three points to kick off their campaign.

A rise of the new Tottenham

Recent history suggests confidence. Tottenham defeated Burnley three times in the 2023/24 season before Vincent Kompany’s men dropped back into the Championship. A wild 5–2 at Turf Moor saw Heung-Min Son fire a hat trick, with Cristian Romero and James Maddison adding spectacular finishes of their own.

The FA Cup tie produced more magic, as Pedro Porro’s stunner sealed a Third Round win. He struck again in the league meeting at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with Micky van de Ven slotting home the decisive goal in a 2–1 victory. Remarkably, for two centre-backs, Romero and Van de Ven have developed quite a knack for finding the net.

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 1

Friday

Liverpool - Bournemouth 4-2 (1-0)

/Ekitike 37, Gakpo 49, Chiesa 88, Salah 90+4 - Semenyo 64,76/

Saturday

14.30: (2.30) Aston Villa (3.60) Newcastle (3.20)

17.00: (1.95) Brighton (3.50) Fulham (3.90)

17.00: (3.20) Sunderland (3.45) West Ham (2.35)

17.00: (1.38) Tottenham (4.70) Burnley (8.50)

19.30: (6.75) Wolverhampton (4.40) Man.City (1.48)

Sunday

16.00: (1.63) Chelsea (3.80) Crystal Palace (5.70)

16.00: (2.20) Nott.Forest (3.40) Brentford (3.30)

18.30: (3.60) Man.Utd. (3.50) Arsenal (2.15)

Monday

22.00: (2.50) Leeds (3.25) Everton (2.90)

***odds are subject to change***