Three men bailed over homophobic abuse at Tottenham game
The Nike match ball infront of rainbow flags during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Newcastle United at Vitality Stadium on February 24, 2018. (Catherine Ivill/Getty)
Police in Portsmouth investigating indecent chanting at a football match have questioned three more people.
Hampshire police published pictures of 16 people wanted in connected with the incident at Fratton Park, Portsmouth FC’s ground, on September 28th.
Officers have now identified 12 of them.
Portsmouth FC’s Sol Campbell, a former England defender, was subject to racist and homophobic taunts from the crowd during a Premiership game against Tottenham Hotspur.
Tottenham fans reportedly dislike Mr Campbell due to his transfer from Tottenham to rival team Arsenal in 2001.
Indecent or racist chanting is an offence under the Football Offences Act 1991 and carries a fine of up to £1,000 and a football banning order.
Last week a 36-year-old man from Wokingham, Surrey and a 28-year-old man from Ringwood, Hampshire were arrested in connection with the incident and bailed until January 21st.
Today Hampshire police said that a 20-year-old man from Essex, a 15-year-old boy from Purley in Surrey and a 15-year-old boy from north London, were interviewed and released on bail until January 21st.
The other seven identified suspects will be questioned by police this week.
“Officers have received a steady stream of information and names,” a spokesperson said.
“However, they are keen to stress that they would like to hear from anyone who recognises the remaining four people.”
The images can be viewed at www.hampshire.police.uk.
Anyone with further information should contact Operation Decorum on 0845 045 45 45 or call Crimestoppers, the charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Homophobic abuse is against the rules at every Premier League and Football League club.
The Football Association’s decision to amend the ground regulations was approved in 2007 after consultation with the leagues.
