FA boss wants abusive fans banned

Football Association chairman Lord Triesman has called on Tottenham to issue life bans to fans who verbally abused Sol Campbell at Portsmouth.

In a wide-ranging and hard-hitting keynote speech at the Leaders in Football conference, Spurs fan Triesman chose racism as one of his main topics.

And he said action had to be taken after fans shouted obscenities when Spurs met Portsmouth nine days ago.

"I abhor the treatment of Sol by fans of a club I've always loved," he said.

"I hope the individuals will be identified and, if appropriate, banned from Tottenham's ground.

"The supporters responsible have let their club down in a way that is totally unacceptable. I wouldn't have them in the ground again."

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Campbell was the subject of chants from supporters still aggrieved by the nature of his departure from White Hart Lane in 2001 to join London rivals Arsenal.

The defender's move on a free transfer was all the harder for Spurs fans to take given Campbell had repeatedly given assurances that he would not join the Gunners.

The 34-year-old later joined Portsmouth - again on a free transfer - but has continued to be targeted by Tottenham fans.

Portsmouth reported the alleged abuse at Fratton Park to the Football Association, who said it would issue life bans to any fan it could prove was connected.

Complaints from Portsmouth fans after the match were made to Hampshire Police, who initially said they could not take action due to the number of people involved.

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