Former Arsenal star Ray Parlour issues apology for 'insensitive' tribute to late Kevin Campbell

Former Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour has taken to social media to apologise for his tribute to Kevin Campbell, the ex-Gunners and Everton forward who sadly passed away at 54.

The footballing world has been mourning Campbell's loss since the heartbreaking news emerged on Saturday. However, Parlour felt compelled to apologise after a deleted post was met with criticism.

Parlour had posted a now-deleted video of himself on X, formerly Twitter, as a tribute to Campbell. He appeared to make a tribute to Campbell with a mixture of Jagermeister and beer, before drinking the drink. The post was accompanied by the caption: "Devastated hearing the news this morning RIP Kevin. Great player and even nicer Fella. Thoughts with his family at this tough time."

READ MORE: Ian Wright leads emotional Arsenal tributes to Kevin Campbell after death aged 54

READ MORE: Ian Wright holds back tears live on ITV in emotional tribute to friend Kevin Campbell

Later on, he took to the same platform to apologise about the post. "I apologise if I have upset anyone in my last post I wholeheartedly didn't mean to come across (as) insensitive," Parlour posted on X. "I loved Kevin and I'm honestly devastated for his family and friends at this terrible time I'm sending all my love to them and anyone who came across this amazing man."

This isn't the first time Parlour has found himself in a tricky situation while trying to pay his respects. He infamously downed a 'Cobra Bomb' on video when Queen Elizabeth II's death was announced nearly two years ago, reports the Express.

On the passing of the beloved Royal, Parlour was quoted as saying: "What a lovely lady and it's so sad, we are going to miss her dearly I promise you. So it's got to be a Cobra bomb for The Queen, I am sure she didn't drink Cobra bombs, she had a little tipple somewhere along the line but I don't know what she usually drinks."

In another emotionally laden tribute on ITV, Arsenal legend Ian Wright was visibly emotional as he remembered his former teammate Campbell.

"I can't really go too deep into it, it's very fresh," expressed Wright on the live broadcaster's coverage of Euro 2024. "I only heard this morning. Obviously my best wishes and condolences go to his family. It's too soon for me to speak about it, anytime I start talking about it I start to well up. He meant the whole world to a lot of people."