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19:22 GMT, Wednesday, 1 October 2008 20:22 UK

Campbell abuse filthy - Redknapp

Sol Campbell (left) with Portsmouth manager Sol Campbell

Harry Redknapp has said Sol Campbell is in the right frame of mind to play in Portsmouth's first round, second leg Uefa Cup tie on Thursday night.

Hampshire Police are to investigate racial and homophobic abuse directed at the 34-year-old during Pompey's 2-0 win at home to Tottenham on Sunday.

And ahead of his side's trip to Vitoria Guimaraes in Portugal, manager Redknapp described the abuse as filthy.

"That's got no place in football what went on Sunday," he said.

"It's got no place in life, it's a disgrace. People chant filth, it's nothing to do with football.

"There is a difference between banter and abuse. What happened to Sol really crossed the line"
Portsmouth striker Peter Crouch

"Some of the stuff that goes on is completely out of order.

"We're talking about awful abuse, some of this stuff is racist - it's everything. It's wrong and has no place in football.

"How do you do that in front of your kids? What kind of a nutter must you be? What kind of human being must you be when you take your little kids to football and shout filth? It can't be right.

"Of course he is upset about it and we are all disappointed about what's happened to him but he'll be fine. He'll move on and get on with his football. He's been terrific for us."

Striker Peter Crouch echoed his manager's sentiments and believes crowd abuse reached a new low with the chants directed in Campbell's direction.

"There is probably not a player in the Premier League who has not had some stick but there is a difference between banter and abuse. What happened to Sol really crossed the line," he said.

"But he showed against Tottenham on Sunday he can react with a fantastic performance. It has had no effect on his game and it won't affect it in the future."

Portsmouth hold a 2-0 lead going into Thursday night's second leg match and Campbell is likely to start alongside Sylvain Distain in defence after keeping a clean sheet on Sunday.

Despite his side having the advantage, Redknapp is looking for his side to attack as they look to book a place in the competition's group stages.

606: DEBATE
"This really seems to be very much way over the limit"
mick

"Although we know they are still a dangerous side with great flair we have players who can cause them problems as well.

"We are certainly not coming here to sit back for 90 minutes and invite them on to us. That would be asking for trouble.

"It will be a tough game we know but we would love to get through this round at least and keep the excitement going for the fans.

"They've had a great time recently including winning the FA Cup last season and we want it to continue."



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Related to this story:

Guimaraes v Portsmouth (0-2) (01 Oct 08 |  Europe )
Police to act on Campbell taunts (01 Oct 08 |  Hampshire )
FA 'must act' on Campbell taunts (30 Sep 08 |  Hampshire )
Portsmouth 2-0 Tottenham (28 Sep 08 |  Premier League )
Campbell calls for abuse to stop (19 Dec 07 |  Football )

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