According to a report by the London Evening Standard on Saturday, November 7, 2026, Tottenham Hotspur have lodged an official complaint with the Premier League over a video showing an ESPN Brazil journalist participating in offensive chants directed at the north London club alongside Arsenal supporters.

The incident has reportedly angered Tottenham, who believe the journalist, Joao Castelo-Branco, should no longer be assigned to cover their matches because of his involvement in the chants.

The controversy began after a video circulated online showing Castelo-Branco singing alongside Arsenal fans. The chants reportedly contained insulting references to Tottenham and expressions of hostility towards the club.

According to The Times, Tottenham formally contacted the Premier League to express their dissatisfaction with the journalist's conduct and raise concerns about his continued involvement in covering their fixtures for ESPN Brazil.

The club reportedly considers his participation in the chants incompatible with the professionalism expected of journalists covering Premier League football.

However, Tottenham are not attempting to prevent ESPN Brazil from reporting on their matches or providing coverage of the club. Their complaint is specifically directed at Castelo-Branco and whether he should continue working on Tottenham-related assignments.

The journalist has since acknowledged his mistake and issued an apology following the criticism surrounding the footage.

Castelo-Branco reportedly admitted that his position as a UK-based correspondent required him to demonstrate greater professionalism and exercise better judgement when dealing with supporters of rival clubs.

He also explained that the video was initially shared through a podcast's Instagram account before appearing on his personal page. Nevertheless, he accepted that the footage could cause offence to Tottenham and their supporters.

Following the club's complaint, the video was removed after ESPN was informed about Tottenham's concerns. Castelo-Branco also reportedly sent an apology email to the north London club.

The matter has since involved discussions between the journalist, ESPN and the Premier League as efforts continue to address the disagreement.

Castelo-Branco reportedly attended an online meeting involving representatives of ESPN and the Premier League, where the situation was discussed.

The Premier League is now holding discussions with both Tottenham and ESPN Brazil in an attempt to find a resolution.

Although the final outcome remains unclear, the incident has raised questions about the boundaries between personal football loyalties and professional responsibilities among journalists covering major sporting competitions.

Football rivalries, particularly between clubs from the same city, often generate strong emotions among supporters. However, journalists covering these competitions are generally expected to maintain professional standards and avoid conduct that could undermine confidence in their reporting.

Meanwhile, Tottenham are preparing for their final Premier League fixture before the November international break.

Roberto De Zerbi's side are scheduled to travel to Elland Road to face Leeds United this weekend as they look to maintain their focus on domestic competition.

For Tottenham, the complaint remains an important issue as the club seeks clarification over the journalist's future involvement in covering its matches.

The discussions between the Premier League and ESPN Brazil are expected to determine how the matter is resolved.