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Campbell denies elbow claim

30/10/2005

Arsenal defender Sol Campbell has denied claims that he deliberately elbowed Tottenham's Teemu Tainio during yesterday's north London derby.

The game was full of unsavoury incidents, which marred a good display from Tottenham and nearly sealed their first win over their north London rivals in 13 attempts.

First, Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann was hit by something thrown from the crowd, then a fan was lead away by police after launching into a torment of abuse at Campbell as he left the field at the final whistle.

However, the England international insists that his incident, which left Tainio needing stitches above his eye, should not be added to the list.

"My eye was on the ball all the time and if you watch the TV replays you will see the same," Campbell said.

Tottenham manager Martin Jol wasn't so sure about the incident.

"At first I thought it was an elbow and then he did the same - leading with his arm in a challenge on Michael Dawson," Jol said.

Tottenham said after the game that the fan who was taken away by police after verbally abusing the ex-Tottenham player could face a lifetime ban from the club.

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