The Tottenham Hotspur have found no evidence in their investigations that Antonio Rüdiger was racially insulted during the match against Chelsea on 22 December.
The Spurs have found no evidence for his accusations: Chelsea Defender Antonio Rüdiger.picture alliance
The club and police have exhausted all investigation possibilities, Spurs announced on Monday. However, despite « extensive » viewing of camera footage and cooperation with professional lip readers, the police « told them today that after reviewing and investigating the case, they closed it because they could find no evidence to support the racism accusation ».
Rüdiger had complained to his captain, Cesar Azpilicueta, about racist chants by Spurs supporters in Chelsea’s 2-0 away win just before Christmas, whereupon referee Anthony Taylor, in accordance with FIFA guidelines, interrupted the game and made a total of three announcements from the stadium announcer.
« We fully support Antonio Rüdiger in his actions – but there is no evidence to support or contradict the accusation, » write Spurs, who had previously stated that they would be able to record and check every spectator in their new 62,062-seat stadium.
For the time being, there is no basis for further measures. If a culprit had been found, a lifelong stadium ban would have been sought in accordance with the club’s own zero tolerance policy, the statement goes on to say. It concludes: « Should any new information come to light, it will be fully investigated. »
