Stoke City condemn ‘sickening and unacceptable’ chants aimed at Tyrese Campbell mocking the death of his father Kevin after the Everton legend’s passing

Stoke City have condemned ‘sickening and unacceptable’ chants aimed at Sheffield United player Tyrese Campbell.

Campbell scored the second goal of the Blades’ 2-0 win over City on Saturday, his first goal of the season in his eighth appearance for the Potters.

Stoke, however, have said that a ‘small minority’ of supporters were involved in chants thought to have been mocking Campbell over the passing of his father, Arsenal and Everton legend Kevin Campbell, during the game.

The statement read: ‘The club has a zero-tolerance approach to tragedy chanting and strongly condemns the abhorrent actions of the individuals involved.

‘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 chants are thought to have been mocking Campbell over the passing of his father, Kevin (pictured)

‘Supporters who see or hear any incidents of criminal, discriminatory, unacceptable or anti-social behaviour are implored to report it by any of the methods below.

‘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.’

Campbell passed away at the age of 54 in June after falling unwell earlier in the month, leading to an outpouring of emotion from the football community.

The popular forward spent six years at Everton between 1999 and 2005, and left a lasting impression.

Tyrese, who was present at a special Everton memorial service last month, posted an emotional tribute to his dad in the hours after his death on Instagram that read: ‘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.

Kevin played over 150 games for both Everton and Arsenal and passed away in June this year

‘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.’