Pompey won't press for Spurs punishment

Hampshire Police did not make any arrests at the match despite the torrent of invective directed towards former Tottenham star Campbell and instead urged the FA to deal with the case in "an appropriate manner".

But the simple option of punishing Spurs for the behaviour of their away fans is likely to be seen by both clubs and the FA as futile and unjust.

Pompey's media and communications director Gary Double said: "We quite simply feel it is a matter for the police and the FA."

And a Spurs spokesman said: "We do not tolerate racist, homophobic or obscene chanting at White Hart Lane and are now waiting for a full report from Portsmouth to hear how this matter was dealt with at Fratton Park."

Anxious to make a success of their high-profile Respect campaign launched at the start of the season following repeated reports of unacceptable behaviour on and off the pitch, the FA insist: "We recognise that football has a duty to challenge all discrimination within the game and our aim is to confront aggressive issues, obscene chanting and abuse.

"The FA takes these matters seriously and will investigate any alleged case we are made aware of, taking action where necessary."

To that end, they are still awaiting reports from officials at the match, including referee Mike Dean and have contacted possible witnesses to detail the level of abuse Campbell suffered.

But there appear to be few realistic punishment options - with even closed-circuit television camera footage of limited use as the offensive behaviour was audible rather than visible.

And it is clear Pompey will not seek specific retribution against their rivals from North London, although Double added: "We will do anything we can to co-operate with any investigation because, obviously, we do not condone this kind of behaviour."