Arsenal legend Sol Campbell has suggested racial undertones may be behind Tottenham fans’ continued hatred towards him, 24 years after his controversial move between the north London rivals.
The former England defender, now 50, made the comments during a recent interview with AFTV, questioning why Spurs supporters continue to harbour resentment over his 2001 transfer.
“Is it a colour thing?” Campbell asked, pointing to Tottenham’s modern progress with their new stadium and facilities while fans remain fixated on his departure.
Campbell’s transfer from Tottenham to Arsenal in 2001 sent shockwaves through English football.
Arsenal legend Sol Campbell has suggested racial undertones may be behind Tottenham fans’ continued hatred towards him, 24 years after his controversial move between the north London rivals
AFTV
As Spurs captain and a product of their youth system, he had publicly stated his intention to stay before making the surprise switch to Highbury on a free transfer.
The move led to him being branded a ‘Judas’ by Tottenham supporters, who subjected him to intense abuse.
Campbell described facing an “inferno of hatred” during his first return to White Hart Lane as an Arsenal player.
JUST IN: Novak Djokovic makes complaint at Australian Open that involves Andy Murray – ‘I dislike’
Sol Campbell caused controversy by leaving Tottenham for Arsenal in 2001
PA
In his AFTV interview, Campbell elaborated on his concerns about racial motivations behind the ongoing animosity.
“There are a lot of other players who have done this type of move, similar moves, you say to yourself is it a colour thing or is it a confusion?” he questioned.
The former defender pressed further: “If it’s a black person or Indian person saying it, are you confused? Or is it a white guy saying it?”
READ MORE:Tyson Fury receives new job offer less than 24 hours after boxing legend announced retirement
He questioned why fans remain fixated on “something that happened 25 years ago when I was a young man.”
Campbell recently reignited his feud with Spurs fans by appearing in a Google Pixel phone advert that referenced his controversial transfer.
In the commercial, he changes from a white to red jumper while advising viewers about “switching sides” and making “big moves.”
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
The former defender has previously spoken about the lasting impact of fans’ abuse, which has continued long after his 2011 retirement.
“I don’t think people realise how hurtful the hate and vitriol is to me,” Campbell said in an earlier interview.
Campbell made 315 appearances for Tottenham before his controversial switch to Arsenal under the Bosman ruling.
Sol Campbell won two Premier League titles at Arsenal after leaving Tottenham in 2001
PA
The then 26-year-old’s move to Highbury was kept secret until the last moment, with journalists expecting to see goalkeeper Richard Wright unveiled instead.
During his first spell with Arsenal, Campbell won five trophies in five seasons.
While he has apologised for the manner of his departure, Campbell maintains he has no regrets about the transfer, saying: “Football wise, I don’t regret it… I wanted to win.”