Harry launches Barton blast
14 Feb 2007 - 09:42:25
Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp has accused Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton of deliberately stamping on Pedro Mendes during the Premiership clash between the two teams.
The Pompey boss was so enraged by the challenge and the referee's decision to only hand Barton a yellow card that he was sent to the stands for the second half of his side's 2-1 victory.
Redknapp blasted: "Barton meant to do it. The ball had long gone.
"Anyone who says it was an accident needs their head examining. He deserved a red card.
"Pedro was running the game before he got hurt and it was a bad challenge.
"I'm annoyed because Pedro is a good player and a good pro who does not go around kicking anybody."
Redknapp has since been charged by the FA for using abusive and/or insulting words towards a match official and, on hearing of the prospect of a fine and a touchline ban, fumed: "I didn't even confront the referee in the tunnel. I waited by his door until everybody else had gone by.
"I did swear but the only other people there were Joe Jordan and the other officials. I spoke to the referee, but he did my head in with his attitude.
"I certainly didn't want to sit in the stand. I wanted to be down on the touchline with Tony Adams.
"It's nonsense if I get fined. I'd rather give the money to charity than to the FA again."