MusaTottenham Hotspur have reportedly been left furious after discovering a video showing an ESPN Brazil journalist joining Arsenal supporters in singing derogatory chants directed at the North London club.
Joao Castelo-Branco, an Arsenal supporter who works as a football correspondent for ESPN Brazil, was captured on camera alongside Gunners fans in Sao Paulo, Brazil, celebrating Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over their rivals.
However, it was not simply his presence among Arsenal supporters that caused controversy. Wearing an Arsenal shirt, the journalist was seen participating in several anti-Tottenham chants, including the infamous “We Hate Tottenham” song, which contains insulting language directed at Spurs.
The footage quickly attracted attention, eventually reaching Tottenham’s hierarchy and prompting the club to raise concerns with the Premier League.
According to reports, discussions are now taking place between Tottenham and ESPN Brazil in an attempt to resolve the situation. However, the club are understood to have no intention of imposing a blanket ban on the broadcaster.
Instead, their frustration is specifically directed towards Castelo-Branco and the manner in which he conducted himself while representing a major international media organisation.
Tottenham demand action after journalist’s controversial video
According to The Times, Tottenham were sufficiently unhappy with the footage to submit a formal complaint to the Premier League.
The club reportedly requested that Castelo-Branco be prevented from covering Tottenham in any professional capacity, including attending media duties, interviewing head coach Roberto De Zerbi or speaking to members of the first-team squad.
Spurs are understood to believe that the journalist’s participation in the chants raises questions about his ability to maintain the professional neutrality expected of someone covering the club.
Although Castelo-Branco is not exclusively responsible for Tottenham coverage, his work regularly involves reporting on English football and attending numerous Premier League fixtures.
His position has therefore placed him in contact with several clubs, making the incident particularly sensitive.
Journalist issues apology after Tottenham complaint
Following the backlash, Castelo-Branco reportedly removed the controversial footage from his social media platforms and made efforts to apologise to Tottenham.
He contacted the club through email and also participated in an online meeting involving the Premier League and his employers.
Speaking to The Times, the journalist acknowledged that his behaviour was inappropriate and admitted that he should have considered the consequences of participating in the chants.
“I wanted to apologise to the club for the video I recorded with Arsenal fans in Brazil singing a derogatory chant about Tottenham Hotspur Football Club,” he said.
“Given my role as a correspondent in the UK, I feel I made a mistake. The video was posted on the podcast Instagram page and reproduced on my personal page.”
He further explained that he understood why Tottenham supporters could find the footage offensive, admitting that he should have been more conscious of the influence and responsibility attached to his professional position.
“I understand it can be offensive to Spurs and Spurs fans and I should have thought more about singing that and the reach it could have.
“ESPN was notified by the Premier League about Tottenham seeing and disliking the post and we agreed to delete it.
“Hopefully we can move on and I will rethink and be more careful with the boundaries of having that persona on the podcast.”
Despite issuing an apology, the situation has continued to attract attention, particularly because of the journalist’s considerable influence across Brazilian football media.
Castelo-Branco has more than 168,000 followers on Instagram and approximately 188,000 followers on X. He is also associated with ESPN Brazil’s Correspondentes Premier podcast, which has attracted around 42,100 followers on Instagram.
Tottenham turn attention to Leeds defeat
Meanwhile, the controversy comes at an uncomfortable moment for Tottenham, who have suffered a setback in their Premier League campaign.
After recording three consecutive victories, Roberto De Zerbi’s side saw their unbeaten run come to an end on Saturday lunchtime following a disappointing 1-0 defeat against Leeds United at Elland Road.
Noah Okafor emerged as the difference-maker after coming off the bench to score the decisive goal, leaving Tottenham frustrated after failing to find a response.
The defeat has interrupted the positive momentum De Zerbi had been building, with the Italian now facing the task of getting his players back on track.
For Tottenham, however, the controversy surrounding Castelo-Branco has created another unwanted talking point away from the pitch, with discussions over the journalist’s future access to the club expected to remain a sensitive issue.
Musa
