Redknapp unlikely to be charged after ref rant
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is expected to escape a Football Association charge despite his scathing comments about referee Steve Tanner.
Redknapp lambasted Tanner after Spurs’ 2-0 defeat at West Brom yesterday, particularly for allowing the opening goal after scorer Roman Bednar had pushed Michael Dawson in the back.
FA disciplinary chiefs have studied Redknapp’s remarks and although the case is viewed as being borderline, are expected to decide against any charge unless further comments come to light.
The FA are much stricter against managers who suggest there is any bias on the part of the referee, or who deliver insults such as calling officials ’Mickey Mouse’.
Redknapp said after the game: “I never complain about referees – I haven’t done that for years but this guy was scary.
“He’s a poor referee and I’ve seen him make a mess of so many games.”
Spurs defender Jonathan Woodgate has also criticised Tanner.
Woodgate said: “If we [the players] make mistakes, we are punished but if the officials do, what happens to them? Nothing. Everyone could see it was a push on Dawson. Something has to be done.
“We are playing in the Premier League, which is the biggest league in the world. You expect it in a Sunday league but not in the Premier League.”
