Portsmouth to make official complaint over Campbell abuse
Portsmouth to make official complaint to FA over Spurs fans' abuse of Sol Campbell
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Friday, 03, Oct 2008 10:35
Portsmouth have confirmed they are to make an official complaint to the Football Association over the abuse aimed at Sol Campbell by Tottenham fans last weekend.
The Pompey defender was subjected to what his manager, Harry Redknapp, described as "filthy… awful abuse" during the 2-0 win at Fratton Park.
A statement from the club today reads: "After discussions with Sol Campbell, Portsmouth Football Club will be making an official complaint to the Football Association concerning the verbal abuse aimed at him during last Sunday's match against Tottenham.
"Both Sol and the club feel no player should be subjected to personal abuse of this nature and that it has no place in football.
"The club will be urging the FA to look into this as a matter of urgency and will cooperate fully in any investigations that take place either by the FA or by Hampshire police, who are also conducting their own investigation."
Campbell angered Spurs supporters when, in 2001, he allowed his contract to run out before leaving the club on a free transfer to join bitter north London rivals Arsenal.
The White Hart Lane faithful have never forgiven the centre-back, 34, and are frequently heard chanting and singing songs about the player whenever he appears on the opposing side.
Today, the club have attempted to counteract concerns over their supporters' behaviour by issuing a statement on their website reminding fans about their conduct in the stands.
"No abusive or obscene language will be tolerated at White Hart Lane," the statement says.
"Stewards will take action against anyone heard using such language."
The announcement encourages fans to report any instances of abuse or discriminatory language to the club's match control room, where it will be dealt with.
"We have a fantastic atmosphere at the Lane and by working together we can prevent the small minority ruining it for everyone," the statement added.
This Sunday a beleaguered Spurs side will go in search of a first Premier League victory against Hull City, who last week embarrassed Tottenham's rivals Arsenal with a 2-1 win at their Emirates Stadium home.
Juande Ramos' men will look to better this result, however, as they go in search of a first league victory of the season in their seventh match of the campaign.