Stoke City condemn ‘sickening’ chants aimed at Kevin Campbell’s son Tyrese

Stoke City have condemned the ‘sickening’ and ‘abhorrent’ chanting from members of the club’s fanbase directed at Tyrese Campbell during the side’s clash with Sheffield United last weekend.

Campbell doubled Sheffield United’s advantage against his former team – after Kieffer Moore’s early opener – and the hosts held firm to secure a comfortable 2-0 victory at Bramall Lane.

But vile chanting heard amongst Stoke’s away support has somewhat overshadowed Saturday’s Championship contest, with fans targeting Campbell following the recent death of his father Kevin.

The popular ex-Arsenal, Everton and West Brom striker died from multiple organ failure aged just 54 in mid-June and Stoke released a statement this afternoon outlining their ‘zero-tolerance approach’ to such chants.

‘The club has a zero-tolerance approach to tragedy chanting and strongly condemns the abhorrent actions of the individuals involved,’ a statement on Stoke’s official website read.

‘Any evidence brought to the attention of the club that implicates individuals in such behaviour will be acted upon without hesitation and the police will also be informed.

‘The club will continue to work with fellow clubs, police forces and all relevant authorities to identify perpetrators of illegal actions and to ensure that matchdays are safe, welcoming and enjoyable for all.’

Back in March, two Stoke City supporters were slapped with three-year bans from all stadiums in England and Wales after mocking the deaths of Leeds fans killed in Turkey in 2000.

Following the death of his beloved father Kevin, Tyrese Campbell revealed how the love and support of fans from around the footballing world had brought the family great ‘comfort’ at such a painful time.

‘I appreciate my dad was admired by many and the outpouring of love has been some comfort for us as a family, so thank you for that at such a difficult time.

The pain of this is indescribable and as a son you look at your dad as invincible. He is my idol, the one who I wanted to be when I grew up.

‘He was the life and soul of every party and room he blessed, a one in a million person that was loved by everyone. A special, special person. I’ll miss you Dad.

‘I would now ask that the privacy of our family is respected as we mourn the loss of an irreplaceable father, brother, uncle and all-round amazing human being. Love you always Dad.’

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