London - Portsmouth defender Sol Campbell called for football's authorities to taker a sterner line against racism in a newspaper interview on Tuesday.

"I think that they are going to have to do more," the former England international, who has been targeted for abuse throughout his career by Tottenham Hotspur fans angered by his decision to leave them for their north London rivals Arsenal.

"My situation is a small part," Campbell added.

"But also, you have the racial abuse in the rest of Europe.

"The only way you can stop it from happening is by taking points from clubs. Then it would definitely stop.

"If it's just way over the top and you start taking points ... That's the only way you can stop fans' abuse on that type of level.

"There is all sorts up and down the league, there is always someone saying something or part of the crowd saying something to certain players, but there is a level and once that level is crossed, I think people have to step in and sort it out.

"Football seems to think it can keep on going without getting checked. In most other sports on this level, it doesn't happen.

"You're not going to get that in tennis, rugby, cricket or athletics. It's just not accepted."

A total of 11 fans were arrested and charged with "indecent chanting at a designated football match" after Tottenham's 2-0 defeat to Portsmouth in September.

Four pleaded guilty and were given three-year banning orders.

The other seven face trial in May. (dpa)