Son Heung-Min of Tottenham Hotspur scores their second goal in the Premier League game against West Ham United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on February 19, 2023. Getty
Son Heung-Min of Tottenham Hotspur scores their second goal in the Premier League game against West Ham United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on February 19, 2023. Getty
Son Heung-Min of Tottenham celebrates. Getty
Son Heung-Min of Tottenham celebrates. Getty
Emerson Royal scores Tottenham's first goal. Reuters
Emerson Royal scores Tottenham's first goal. Reuters
Tottenham's Emerson Royal celebrates scoring their first goal with Ben Davies and Dejan Kulusevski. Reuters
Tottenham's Emerson Royal celebrates scoring their first goal with Ben Davies and Dejan Kulusevski. Reuters
Tottenham's Emerson Royal celebrates the first goal. PA
Tottenham's Emerson Royal celebrates the first goal. PA
Richarlison of Tottenham challenges Thilo Kehrer of West Ham. Getty
Richarlison of Tottenham challenges Thilo Kehrer of West Ham. Getty
Tottenham's Harry Kane shoots. AP
Tottenham's Harry Kane shoots. AP
Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane in action with West Ham United's Angelo Ogbonna. Reuters
Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane in action with West Ham United's Angelo Ogbonna. Reuters
West Ham United manager David Moyes with Vladimir Coufal. Reuters
West Ham United manager David Moyes with Vladimir Coufal. Reuters
Tottenham Hotspur's French defender Clement Lenglet wins a header. AFP
Tottenham Hotspur's French defender Clement Lenglet wins a header. AFP
Harry Kane of Tottenham under pressure from Declan Rice of West Ham. Getty
Harry Kane of Tottenham under pressure from Declan Rice of West Ham. Getty
Referee Michael Oliver shows a yellow card to Oliver Skipp of Tottenham as Michail Antonio of West Ham United lies injured. Getty
Referee Michael Oliver shows a yellow card to Oliver Skipp of Tottenham as Michail Antonio of West Ham United lies injured. Getty
Tottenham's Ben Davies. AP
Tottenham's Ben Davies. AP
Fraser Forster of Tottenham Hotspur. Getty
Fraser Forster of Tottenham Hotspur. Getty
Tottenham Hotspur's Richarlison appeals to the referee. Reuters
Tottenham Hotspur's Richarlison appeals to the referee. Reuters
West Ham's Michail Antonio challenges Tottenham's Dejan Kulusevski. AP
West Ham's Michail Antonio challenges Tottenham's Dejan Kulusevski. AP
Tottenham's Cristian Romero, right, challenges for the ball with West Ham's Emerson Palmieri. AP
Tottenham's Cristian Romero, right, challenges for the ball with West Ham's Emerson Palmieri. AP

Sport

Football

Tottenham call for action after 'reprehensible' racist abuse of Son Heung-min

Online racist abuse was directed at South Korean forward following his goal against West Ham United on Sunday

The National

February 20, 2023

  • English
  • Arabic

Tottenham Hotspur called for social media companies and authorities to "take action" after online racist abuse was directed at Son Heung-min following his goal against West Ham United on Sunday.

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Son off the bench to help seal Tottenham win over West Ham

South Korea forward Son scored within minutes of his introduction as a second-half substitute in the 2-0 London derby win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

"We have been made aware of the utterly reprehensible online racist abuse directed at Son Heung-min during today's match, which has been reported by the club," Tottenham said on the club's official Twitter feed on Sunday night.

"We stand with Sonny and once again call on the social media companies and authorities to take action."

The English Football Association echoed the club's call for action.

"We strongly condemn the racist abuse aimed at Son Heung-min this evening," an FA spokesperson replied to Tottenham's tweet.

"This has no place in our game and we fully support the authorities and social media companies to take the strongest possible action to tackle it."

In June 2022, a group of 12 men who had been arrested for racially abusing Son on Twitter were given community service punishments and wrote apologies to the Tottenham forward.

Tottenham club officials had complained of "abhorrent racist abuse" on social media after the 3-1 home defeat to Manchester United on April 11, 2021.

In August 2022, Chelsea banned a season ticket holder indefinitely for aiming racist abuse at Son during a 2-2 Premier League draw at Stamford Bridge.

Tottenham assistant coach Cristian Stellini. Getty Images
Tottenham assistant coach Cristian Stellini. Getty Images

Meanwhile, Tottenham assistant Cristian Stellini laughed off his 100 per cent record while deputising for Antonio Conte and revealed a potential return date for his manager following Sunday's home win over West Ham.

Stellini again guided Spurs to a crucial victory – like against Marseille and Manchester City earlier this season – after second-half goals from Emerson Royal and Son sent Spurs above Newcastle United into fourth place in the Premier League.

It ensured Tottenham ended a difficult week on a high after back-to-back defeats to Leicester and AC Milan had been followed by the news Conte was back off work after doctors ordered him to rest after he rushed his return following gallbladder surgery on February 1.

Conte was able to be involved during Sunday’s match to advise his coaching staff of tactical decisions via text as his long-serving assistant Stellini made it six wins from six when he has deputised, having also clinched three victories during their time together at Inter Milan.

“This happened because Antonio is the gaffer, not because I am the gaffer,” Stellini said.

“I only follow the project of his work and the way he works is really clear.

“I am not expecting Antonio is back for Chelsea [next weekend] but I expect Antonio will be back the week after Chelsea. For Milan or Wolverhampton.

“We have also the game in the FA Cup [against Sheffield United] so maybe not Chelsea but we don’t know because if Antonio feels well and he can live some stress without some pain or feel something strange, Antonio will be back.”

Spurs v West Ham ratings

TOTTENHAM RATINGS: Fraser Forster 7: Not a single shot to save in an opening 45 minutes devoid of chances for both teams. Called into serious action just before hour mark when he got down well to save Bowen strike. Getty
TOTTENHAM RATINGS: Fraser Forster 7: Not a single shot to save in an opening 45 minutes devoid of chances for both teams. Called into serious action just before hour mark when he got down well to save Bowen strike. Getty
Cristian Romero 7: Always feels like yellow card heading for red waiting to happen but Argentine kept his tackling to hard but fair here as Spurs were full value for clean sheet. Getty
Cristian Romero 7: Always feels like yellow card heading for red waiting to happen but Argentine kept his tackling to hard but fair here as Spurs were full value for clean sheet. Getty
Eric Dier 8: Untroubled by Antonio and had the big Hammers attacker in his pocket for most of match. Excellent game from England defender. Getty
Eric Dier 8: Untroubled by Antonio and had the big Hammers attacker in his pocket for most of match. Excellent game from England defender. Getty
Clement Lenglet 7: Too easily dispossessed by Soucek early on and would have been relieved that cross from Czech failed to find teammate. Headed corner over bar just before break. AP
Clement Lenglet 7: Too easily dispossessed by Soucek early on and would have been relieved that cross from Czech failed to find teammate. Headed corner over bar just before break. AP
Emerson Royal 7: Making his 50th league appearance for club, Brazilian nonchalantly side-footed Spurs into the lead 10 minutes into the second half. Reuters
Emerson Royal 7: Making his 50th league appearance for club, Brazilian nonchalantly side-footed Spurs into the lead 10 minutes into the second half. Reuters
Pierre-Emerick Hojbjerg 7: Had game’s first shot on target in 35th minute, albeit a long-range effort easily saved by Fabianski. Brilliant pass to Davies ahead of first goal. Enjoyed frank exchange of views with midfield rival Rice late in game. AFP
Pierre-Emerick Hojbjerg 7: Had game’s first shot on target in 35th minute, albeit a long-range effort easily saved by Fabianski. Brilliant pass to Davies ahead of first goal. Enjoyed frank exchange of views with midfield rival Rice late in game. AFP
Oliver Skipp 7: Won crunching 50-50 with Rice in opening 10 minutes, much to delight of home fans. But then picked up yellow card for reckless lunge on Antonio soon after. Did good job for Spurs in midfield, though, and given warm reception on late substitution. Getty
Oliver Skipp 7: Won crunching 50-50 with Rice in opening 10 minutes, much to delight of home fans. But then picked up yellow card for reckless lunge on Antonio soon after. Did good job for Spurs in midfield, though, and given warm reception on late substitution. Getty
Ben Davies 8: Started at left-wingback and certainly provided Spurs with plenty of width down that flank and it was his ball to fellow full-back Emerson that set-up goal. Blasted ambitious effort into side netting from acute angle but was probably Spurs best player. AFP
Ben Davies 8: Started at left-wingback and certainly provided Spurs with plenty of width down that flank and it was his ball to fellow full-back Emerson that set-up goal. Blasted ambitious effort into side netting from acute angle but was probably Spurs best player. AFP
Dejan Kulusevski 7: Often Spurs’ key attacking outlet this season but was strangely off his game in the first half. Much better in second, putting one chance on plate for Richarlison only for Brazilian to waste it. PA
Dejan Kulusevski 7: Often Spurs’ key attacking outlet this season but was strangely off his game in the first half. Much better in second, putting one chance on plate for Richarlison only for Brazilian to waste it. PA
Richarlison 5: You could tell it was his first start since World Cup in first-half when Brazilian was ineffective, to say the least, until just before break when his shot from tight angle was turned out for corner by keeper. Weak side-foot finish straight at keeper just after break. PA
Richarlison 5: You could tell it was his first start since World Cup in first-half when Brazilian was ineffective, to say the least, until just before break when his shot from tight angle was turned out for corner by keeper. Weak side-foot finish straight at keeper just after break. PA
Harry Kane 7: Spurs’ new record scorer never had sniff of an opportunity to add to tally in first half. Totally miscued shot well wide of target at start of second half. Linked up with favourite attacking partner Son once again to set up goal for second-half substitute. PA
Harry Kane 7: Spurs’ new record scorer never had sniff of an opportunity to add to tally in first half. Totally miscued shot well wide of target at start of second half. Linked up with favourite attacking partner Son once again to set up goal for second-half substitute. PA
SUBS: Son Heung-min (On for Richarlison 67’) 8: Last season’s Golden Boot winner was left out of starting line-up but scored with confident finish five minutes after coming on. Getty
SUBS: Son Heung-min (On for Richarlison 67’) 8: Last season’s Golden Boot winner was left out of starting line-up but scored with confident finish five minutes after coming on. Getty
Ivan Perisic (On for Lenglet 78’) N/A. Guilty of two poor challenges after coming on, booked for the second on Coufal. Reuters
Ivan Perisic (On for Lenglet 78’) N/A. Guilty of two poor challenges after coming on, booked for the second on Coufal. Reuters
Lucas Moura (On for Kulusevski 89’) N/A. Getty Pape Sarr (On for Skipp 89’) N/A.
Lucas Moura (On for Kulusevski 89’) N/A. Getty Pape Sarr (On for Skipp 89’) N/A.
WEST HAM RATINGS: Lukasz Fabianski 7: The busier of the two goalkeepers in first-half, which wasn’t saying much. Did what he had to do in terms of saves - including one with his legs from Richarlison - and dealing with crosses. No chance with either goal.
WEST HAM RATINGS: Lukasz Fabianski 7: The busier of the two goalkeepers in first-half, which wasn’t saying much. Did what he had to do in terms of saves - including one with his legs from Richarlison - and dealing with crosses. No chance with either goal.
Nayef Aguerd 7: Moroccan was impressive in what had been a very well-organised West Ham defensive display until they were ripped open twice for the second-half goals. Reuters
Nayef Aguerd 7: Moroccan was impressive in what had been a very well-organised West Ham defensive display until they were ripped open twice for the second-half goals. Reuters
Angelo Ogbonna 5: Had been solid but then caught out by fine Hojbjerg slide-rule pass in run-up to Spurs’ opener and out-muscled by Kane ahead of Son scoring second. Reuters
Angelo Ogbonna 5: Had been solid but then caught out by fine Hojbjerg slide-rule pass in run-up to Spurs’ opener and out-muscled by Kane ahead of Son scoring second. Reuters
Thilo Kehrer 7: German could easily have given away an early penalty for handball, but referee and VAR not interested. Like Aguerd, had been playing well and helped keep Richarlison's influence down to very little but couldn’t stop Spurs taking all three points in end. Getty
Thilo Kehrer 7: German could easily have given away an early penalty for handball, but referee and VAR not interested. Like Aguerd, had been playing well and helped keep Richarlison's influence down to very little but couldn’t stop Spurs taking all three points in end. Getty
Emerson 6: Scored against former club Chelsea last time out, but no chance of repeat this time round and a quiet game from Italian midfielder. AP
Emerson 6: Scored against former club Chelsea last time out, but no chance of repeat this time round and a quiet game from Italian midfielder. AP
Declan Rice 7: Wasn’t until game was lost that we started to see some of his trademark surging runs out of midfield. Caught in possession just after half-time and relieved to see Kane shank shot way off target. Showed his frustrations late on when had to be separated from heated argument with Hojbjerg. AFP
Declan Rice 7: Wasn’t until game was lost that we started to see some of his trademark surging runs out of midfield. Caught in possession just after half-time and relieved to see Kane shank shot way off target. Showed his frustrations late on when had to be separated from heated argument with Hojbjerg. AFP
Vladimir Coufal 6: Well-timed challenge on Richarlison in box prevented Brazilian from getting shot away after 20 minutes. Not his usual forays forward as he concentrated on his defensive duties. Getty
Vladimir Coufal 6: Well-timed challenge on Richarlison in box prevented Brazilian from getting shot away after 20 minutes. Not his usual forays forward as he concentrated on his defensive duties. Getty
Tomas Soucek 7: In more attacking role for Hammers and in thick of early action. Big Czech teed-up Bowen for his chance and nearly got on end of cross-come-shot from same teammate. Reuters
Tomas Soucek 7: In more attacking role for Hammers and in thick of early action. Big Czech teed-up Bowen for his chance and nearly got on end of cross-come-shot from same teammate. Reuters
Flynn Downes 5: Making only his fourth league start, but 24-year-old struggled to make any impact. Worked hard, got his tackles in but a definite lack of incisive passing going forward. AP
Flynn Downes 5: Making only his fourth league start, but 24-year-old struggled to make any impact. Worked hard, got his tackles in but a definite lack of incisive passing going forward. AP
Jarrod Bowen 8: Flashed shot just wide from edge of area in opening minute and was West Ham’s most dangerous attacker throughout. Denied by good Forster stop minutes after Spurs had taken second-half lead. Reuters
Jarrod Bowen 8: Flashed shot just wide from edge of area in opening minute and was West Ham’s most dangerous attacker throughout. Denied by good Forster stop minutes after Spurs had taken second-half lead. Reuters
Michail Antonio 4: No threat in front of goal for Hammers and got little change out of Spurs’ defence. Booked for challenge on Kane despite winning ball but then could have been shown a correct second yellow for late kick on Hojbjerg. AFP
Michail Antonio 4: No threat in front of goal for Hammers and got little change out of Spurs’ defence. Booked for challenge on Kane despite winning ball but then could have been shown a correct second yellow for late kick on Hojbjerg. AFP
SUBS: Danny Ings (On for Antonio 72’) 5: No chance to make any impact with game lost. PA
SUBS: Danny Ings (On for Antonio 72’) 5: No chance to make any impact with game lost. PA
Said Benrahma (On for Flynn 72’) 5: Sent free-kick over bar from perfect position just after coming on. Side-footed another chance well wide after good work by Bowen. AP
Said Benrahma (On for Flynn 72’) 5: Sent free-kick over bar from perfect position just after coming on. Side-footed another chance well wide after good work by Bowen. AP
Ben Johnson (On for Ogbonna 81’) N/A. Getty
Ben Johnson (On for Ogbonna 81’) N/A. Getty
Pablo Fornals (On for Emerson 81’) N/A. Getty
Pablo Fornals (On for Emerson 81’) N/A. Getty
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Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
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Bio Box

Role Model: Sheikh Zayed, God bless his soul

Favorite book: Zayed Biography of the leader

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Favorite food: seafood

Favorite place to travel: Lebanon

Favorite movie: Braveheart

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Liverpool 2
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World record transfers

1. Kylian Mbappe - to Real Madrid in 2017/18 - €180 million (Dh770.4m - if a deal goes through)
2. Paul Pogba - to Manchester United in 2016/17 - €105m
3. Gareth Bale - to Real Madrid in 2013/14 - €101m
4. Cristiano Ronaldo - to Real Madrid in 2009/10 - €94m
5. Gonzalo Higuain - to Juventus in 2016/17 - €90m
6. Neymar - to Barcelona in 2013/14 - €88.2m
7. Romelu Lukaku - to Manchester United in 2017/18 - €84.7m
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Milestones on the road to union

1970

October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar. 

December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.

1971

March 1:  Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.

July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.

July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.

August 6:  The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.

August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.

September 3: Qatar becomes independent.

November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.

November 29:  At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.

November 30: Despite  a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa. 

November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties

December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.

December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.

December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.

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Updated: February 20, 2023, 9:18 AM`
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