Pompey defender Sol Campbell was the target of racist and homophobic chants from Tottenham fans during the Premier League clash at Fratton Park in September.

It was the latest in a string of incidents since he left Spurs for arch-rivals Arsenal in 2001.

After another match against Tottenham last year the 34-year-old was so concerned that he telephoned the BBC to complain and called on the Football Association to take action.

Hampshire Police today released CCTV pictures of 16 men suspected of the homophobic and racist abuse, which Harry Redknapp, Portsmouth manager at the time, condemned as "filthy", to identify and question those allegedly responsible.

Pompey's communications director, Gary Double, told PA Sport: "I think anything which can stamp out this sort of abuse in football and in society in general is a good thing.

"There is no place for it in football and that is the view of most people in the game and most fans.

"The police involvement in this matter can have a positive effect.

"Sol is co-operating with the police investigations and has given them his views on it."

It is not the first time a footballer has been suffered homophobic abuse.

Former Chelsea and Southampton defender Graeme Le Saux admitted that "the homophobic taunting and bullying left me close to walking away from football", and striker Justin Fashanu committed suicide in 1998 after eight years of abuse for revealing his homosexuality.

Peter Tatchell, the human rights activist for OutRage!, has urged the FA to bring policies for dealing with homophobia in line with those of racism.

"The abuse against Sol Campbell is totally unacceptable. Bigotry has no place in any sport," he told PA Sport.

"At all matches, stewards should be required to identify fans who shout homophobic abuse and the FA should secure the agreement of the police to arrest them in the same way that they arrest racist fans.

"As well as this sort of action, education against homophobia is important in order to make the game welcoming and safe for gay players and spectators.

"OutRage! wants the FA to secure the agreement of all clubs to feature anti-homophobic messages in their match programmes, on tickets and inside and outside stadiums."

Tatchell applauded the police attempts to stamp out the abuse, adding: "The police action is a welcome move. I hope people will come forward and identify the culprits.

"Let's hope this acts as a deterrent to stop other fans using similar homophobic abuse in the future."