Campbell holds “politicians and people on TV” partly responsible for the abuse he still receives 24 years after joining Arsenal from Tottenham.
According to a report from Goal.com, former England defender Sol Campbell has publicly blamed politicians and television pundits for fuelling the longstanding abuse he endures from Tottenham Hotspur fans — more than two decades after his controversial move to Arsenal.
Campbell, 51, said that many “powerful people” allowed the toxicity against him to persist, failing to condemn the hostility or apologise. He claimed that his switch to Arsenal “was whipped up” by public figures who carried on their criticism unchecked.
He reflected: “People on TV, politicians as well, putting their five pence worth in … Everybody got involved. Everybody was allowed to get away with it.”
He also expressed regret that no one from that era has owned their part in the backlash. “No one has apologised … It’s really sad because obviously my family got affected and things like that,” Campbell said.
Recalling his career-defining move, Campbell praised David Dein — Arsenal’s vice-chairman at the time — saying Dein “made me feel protected … promised to be there for me. … We will protect you.”
GoalOn a more nostalgic note, Campbell fondly revisited a classic North London derby memory:
Thierry Henry’s solo run and goal in a 3–0 win at Highbury. “That one definitely sticks out … just like poetry really,” he said.