Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has revealed how unhappy he is with Mario Balotelli’s alleged stamp on Scott Parker in Sunday’s 3-2 defeat to Manchester City.
Shortly after coming on as a substitute, those who bet in play note Balotelli’s foot landed on Parker, with many suggesting that it was an intentional stamp from the Italian. Shortly afterwards, he won and converted a penalty to win City the game of course.
This left Spurs devastated after playing so well to get themselves back into the game and Redknapp was clear about his thoughts on the Balotelli incident.
Speaking after the game, he said: “Having looked at it, I do think he should have been sent off. The first one could have been an accident, but on the second one he’s backheeled him straight in the head.”
“It is not the first time he has done that and I am sure it won’t be the last. I am the last person to talk about getting people sent off and what they sThould and shouldn’t do.”
“But it is blatant. He reacts to challenges like that at times. Scott has got a cut on his head.”
“I have got my own opinions but I don’t like people kicking other people in the head on football pitches. I don’t think it’s wrong to say that.”
“Why you should backheel someone in the head when they are lying on the floor is beyond me. It’s not a nice thing to do.”
It is of course an issue that has got people talking and from Manchester City, the man to come out and speak after the game was assistant manager David Platt who said he needs to see the incident again before giving his views.
The former England midfielder said: “I never saw anything live and there was nothing from the players live either. Until we have seen it we cannot really comment.”
“What we are aware of from the last month is that different TV angles can show different things.”
The BBC Football pundits have been having their say too with Lee Dixon and Alan Hansen offering differing views on the incident.
Dixon doesn’t think anyone can say for certain it was deliberate. He said: “I think you’ve got to give him the benefit of the doubt. He’s not looking at Parker. Looking at his left leg, it’s actually off the ground. I know it looks bad but no-one can possibly tell.”
Hansen is convinced that Balotelli showed some intent though, saying: “I think he stamps on him. When you hit the ground you don’t stamp and there’s a definite stamp there. The referee is five yards away. I think he should have given him a red card.”
In the end though, it matters for little as the game has gone. Balotelli will more than likely face further action from the FA, while Spurs have to move on.
Tottenham Hotspur News 24/7
Write A Story Here On Triffic
Recent Comments