Source: Daily_Mail
Spurs boss Harry Redknapp laughs off Arsene Wenger's claim that football is too physical
Harry Redknapp today told Arsene Wenger that if the Arsenal boss believes English football is too physical, he should have seen what players got away with 50 years ago.[LNB]Wenger used his programme notes prior to the Gunners' Champions League win over Braga on Wednesday night to criticise Bolton's approach in the sides' Premier League meeting four days earlier.[LNB]The Frenchman, who perennially complains about his players not receiving enough protection from officials, intimated he felt Trotters defender Paul Robinson should have been dismissed for a tackle which left Abou Diaby with severe ankle bruising.[LNB] Calm down, Arsene: Spurs boss Harry Redknapp says Wenger should have been here to see football in the 1960s[LNB]Wenger's comments prompted an angry response from Wanderers boss Owen Coyle, while Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce also accused his Arsenal counterpart of trying to influence referees.[LNB]While careful not criticise Wenger directly, Tottenham boss Redknapp suggested the Gunners manager might be overreacting.[LNB]'It's just as well he wasn't here in the '60s, really,' Redknapp said.[LNB]'If he'd have seen some of the tackling that went on in those days, we would have something to worry about.[LNB]'The tackling now is nothing to what it was; it was a fierce game. I don't have any problems with it (now).[LNB]'You always get one or two injuries but, certainly, in the games we've played, we've had no problems.[LNB]'We compete, the other teams compete with us. You've got to stand up for yourselves.[LNB]'We've all had teams that can dish it out a bit. We've all had players, certain players.[LNB]'Arsenal,a few years ago: Tony Adams, (Martin) Keown, (Steve) Bould, (Nigel)Winterburn, Lee Dixon, (Patrick) Vieira, (Emmanuel) Petit. That was avery strong, aggressive team - a fantastic team.[LNB]'They were great competitors; they had their share of cards, the same as everybody.'[LNB]Redknapp,whose side host Arsenal in the Carling Cup on Tuesday night, added:'What Arsene's saying is they've had one or two injuries. But if peopleare going for the ball and it's a fair tackle then there's no problemif they're aggressive.[LNB] Rough and tumble: Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger criticised Bolton for their approach last weekend[LNB]'But if people are trying to hurt someone deliberately then the referees need to clamp down; I'm agreeing with him in that respect.'[LNB]Spurs host a Wolves side on Saturday whose own physical approach has drawncriticism this season.[LNB]Midfielder Karl Henry has borne the brunt, with Newcastle's Joey Barton upset at his treatment at the hands of the 27-year-old when the sides met last month.[LNB]Henry was also the player who tackled Bobby Zamora when the Fulham striker broke his leg last weekend, although no free-kick was given.[LNB]Asked if he expected the same approach from Henry in Saturday's Premier League clash, Redknapp said: 'Yeah, I'm sure. Listen, Joey can give it and he can take it.[LNB]'It was unusual to see somebody smashing him about a bit!'[LNB]Redknapp insisted he had 'no problem' with Wolves, although he added: "Maybeafter tomorrow I might see it differently!'[LNB] So, does Arsene have a point? Sportsmail looks at Wenger's claimsFuming Arsenal boss Wenger wants video evidence to punish bad tacklesARSENAL FC NEWS FROM ACROS THE NETTOTTENHAM HOTSPUR FC NEWS FROM ACROS THE NET[LNB] [LNB]
