Harry backing for Campbell

Pompey looking for Uefa Cup progress

By Pete Oliver   Last updated: 1st October 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Harry backing for Campbell

Campbell: Pompey support

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Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp is backing defender Sol Campbell to cope on and off the pitch following the abuse he received at the hands of Tottenham fans.

The Football Association is looking into the treatment Campbell received during Pompey's win over Spurs at Fratton Park last weekend, while Redknapp prepares to send the England international out on Uefa Cup duty on Thursday night.

"This kind of thing has no place in football, no place in life," said Redknapp, whose side are defending a 2-0 lead going into the second leg of their first-round tie against Vitoria Guimaraes in Portugal.

"Someone has got to do something about it, somebody has got to make a stand and if Sol wants to do that we are right behind him.

"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."

Filthy

Redknapp added: "But I would like to see somebody do something because now there is too much of this around these days. It is way out of order.

"You can go to places and see people saying filthy things and making filthy

signs, even though they have got kids with them. What sort of example is it to

set kids? These people are just nutters."

Pompey are warm favourites to go through to the group stage of the Uefa Cup but will not rest on their first-leg advantage.

"Although we know they (Vitoria) are still a dangerous side with great flair we have players who can cause them problems as well," said Redknapp.

"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."