Former England and Arsenal defender Sol Campbell has listed the nine reasons why he deserves a knighthood after he was left out of the latest New Year's Honours list.
The 48-year-old former Southend United manager, who enjoyed a successful playing career with the likes of Spurs, Arsenal and Portsmouth, was left scratching his head as to why he wasn't named in the list.
Just four players from England's Euro 2022 winning squad – Leah Williamson, Lucy Bronze, Beth Mead and Ellen White – were rewarded for their efforts, while some notable names missed out, including Campbell.
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And after the news was made public, he took to Twitter on Monday to react.
In fact, Campbell pointed out eight reasons why he deserves to be honoured.
"I’ve seen a lot of people get MBE OBE Sir’s for services to sport," he wrote. "I will put my name down reasons why!
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"First is the 56 games without losing is a record. 2. Invincible Arsenal team 49 games without losing a record. 3. First black player to score in World Cup final for England!"
He continued: "4. First black captain to lift a cup at Wembley. 5. First black English speaking player to score in a Champions League final. 6. I played two decades and over 500 games in the Premiership. 7. Stood up for racism in football here and abroad!
"8. Only English player to play in six consecutive tournaments for England. 9. Got into the World Cup best team 1998 and 2002 and one European team 2004 so at one stage I was pound for pound the best defender in the world. How many English men can say that?"
Here's how social media reacted to Campbell's Twitter plea.
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One said: "Two days into 2023 and Sol Campbell is already making up that he scored in a World Cup final. Strap in, it’s gonna be a wild year," while another commented: "You scored in a World Cup final for England?"
A third wrote: "Slightly unorthodox to ask for honours, Sol, but I absolutely agree you deserve to be recognised by the honours system."
A fourth said: "I know a few people who got OBE's and have never done sh*t. The reality is you don't need some fluffy BS to validate you. You're a legend. Always will be. Those who matter will always know that."
Away from Campbell's tweet and the decision to award just four of England's Euro 2022 winning squad sparked plenty of debate.
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Sir Hugh Robertson, who is the chairman of the honours sports committee, explained why not all of the Lionesses had been included.
"The approach that we’ve tried to take with this is when we have these events there is a danger in sort of carpet bombing the entire squad because then you get people who’ve done five minutes on the pitch and get an award," he said.
"So what we’ve tried to do is stick to the principle of the honours system which is to recognise excellence and to recognise extraordinary contributions."
Thoughts on Campbell's post? Do you think he deserves to be honoured?
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Let us know in the comments.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Arsenal, England, Premier League
