Source: Daily_Mail
O'Neill says Redknapp should not fear his Spurs return to face Villa 'filth'
Martin O'Neill has assured Harry Redknapp that security will be strong for the Tottenham manager's return to Villa Park on Sunday.
But the Aston Villa manager believes Redknapp has little to worry about despite run-ins with home supporters on his last two visits in charge of Portsmouth.
It will be Redknapp's first visit since October when assistant referee Phil Sharp was struck by a 50p coin during Pompey's 0-0 draw with Villa.
Redknapp felt the coin was meant for him and called for increased security around the dug-out areas, though the culprit was found.
John Billington, 43, of Great Barr, director of an engineering company, pleaded guilty at Birmingham Magistrates court to battery and was fined £2,300 and banned from attending matches for the next five years.
But Redknapp hit out at Villa fans 'filth' after being subjected to verbal abuse during Pompey's 3-1 win over the Midlands club in December 2007.
Redknapp moved to Spurs in October but O'Neill does believe there is any undue security risk despite previous incidents.
'Why should it be a worry?' said O'Neill. 'The gentleman who threw the coin at the assistant referee the last time he was here was found guilty.
'I'm sure the people around the dug-out area will be aware of it and I'm sure security will be strong. It's not my remit and I'm sure it does not detract from the importance of the game.'
