Tottenham Hotspur filed a formal complaint with the Premier League over ESPN Brazil correspondent João Castelo-Branco taking part in anti-Spurs chanting with Arsenal fans, Sean Keeley of Awful Announcing reported, drawing on reporting by The Times.
According to Awful Announcing, the objection concerned the individual reporter’s access, not the broadcaster’s: Tottenham said it had no intention of excluding ESPN Brazil, a Brazilian Premier League rights-holder, from covering the team. The outlet reported that the club considered it inappropriate for Castelo-Branco to cover its matches and interview its coaches and players.
Awful Announcing reported that Castelo-Branco posted a video showing him leading the chant and later removed it from his social channels. His explanation was that the recording was intended for a Tottenham fan with whom he has a football podcast. He said he was in “character” as an Arsenal fan before he “got carried away.”
In the Nov. 7, 2026, report, Awful Announcing relayed The Times’ reporting that the Premier League was in contact with Tottenham and ESPN Brazil to resolve the matter. Castelo-Branco told The Times he was not facing a league ban and had attended an online meeting with the league and broadcaster. That was his account of his position, not an announced league ruling.
