SOL CAMPBELL confronted a coward who called him a ‘Judas c***’ in Rome before England’s win over Ukraine.
The spineless yob was filming the former Arsenal and Tottenham centre-back as he left a restaurant on Saturday lunch time and also yelled: “Jelly and ice cream when you go.”
Former England defender Campbell was in Italy working for TalkSPORT at Euro 2020 when he was abused by the man.
The video was posted on Twitter but what can’t be seen in the footage is the female companion sitting with the abuser who SunSport understands looked ‘mortified’ by his actions.
After enjoying a meal and chatting to other friendly England supporters, Campbell was leaving the expensive restaurant with several companions when the incident took place.
SunSport understands the man – believed to be in his early 30s – who shouted the abuse broke Covid rules by travelling from England to be in the Italian capital for the Three Lions’ 4-0 win.
He was also heard bragging about his intention to ignore quarantine requirements when he returned to the UK.
The clip shows him pointing the camera at the 46-year-old former Southend and Macclesfield manager and he is heard shouting: “Here he is, Sol Campbell.”
Campbell looks over but proceeds to walk out the restaurant when the abuser goads him again. Unprovoked, he says: “Judas… C***!”
It’s at this point Campbell turns back and walks towards the man. As the England legend approaches, the man adds: “Jelly and ice cream when you go mate.”
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A restrained Campbell stands in front of the man and says: “What’s wrong with you? You’re a t***** mate. You’re two bob.”
Apparently not feeling big or brave enough at that stage, the faceless abuser responds: “Yeah? You deserve it mate for what you done. F***ing Judas.”
Campbell is led away by one of the men with him and simply says ‘You’re two bob’ at the man as he leaves the restaurant.
The abuser is understood to have ‘melted’ after Campbell approached.
There was said to be a ‘different vibe’ coming from many of the friendly ex-pat England fans in Rome compared to those who travelled from these shores.
London-born Campbell upset many Tottenham fans when he left to join bitter rivals Arsenal in 2001 after suggesting he was going to sign a new Spurs deal having let his contract run down.
He won a solitary League Cup in 1999 at trophy-shy Tottenham, but Campbell went on to win two Premier Leagues and three FA Cups in five years with their bitter rivals.
He was a key part of Arsenal’s famous Invincibles side and won 73 England caps.
The grim video was viewed more than 118,000 times after it was posted online but unsurprisingly, most of the comments condemned the yellow-bellied perpetrator.
Arif wrote: “Over football? One thing disliking a guy but doesn’t need harassing on the street. Poor guy.”
Another added: “Ooh, you’re hard.”
Mark said: “That’s wrong.”
Danny wrote: “This is just bang out of order and uncalled for.”
Tarreck tweeted: “Let it go man, even though he left your club the way he did, the man is 46 now.
“Surely hate runs out and you move on. Do people really have it in them to hate on someone for that long, enjoy your life for gods sake.”
And an Arsenal account urged the police to get involved.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
