Source: Team_Talk
Redknapp blasts player abuse
Tottenham chief Harry Redknapp admits Emmanuel Adebayor is sure to be the subject of abuse from Arsenal fans on Sunday, but feels it is unfair.[LNB] Spurs entertain their arch rivals at White Hart Lane, and Redknapp knows what reception the Togo man can expect.[LNB]He was already hugely unpopular with Arsenal fans following his decision to join Manchester City, but then the tensions moved to a fresh level when he celebrated scoring against them by running the full length of the pitch.[LNB]Whilst Redknapp knows there is nothing that can be done about the abuse that will come Adebayor's way, he is not happy about it.[LNB]"Emmanuel Adebayor is certain to get stick from Arsenal fans on Sunday at White Hart Lane," he said in his column for The Sun.[LNB]"Because of the rivalry between Tottenham and the Gunners and because he used to play for them, I would not expect them to greet him with a cheery wave.[LNB]"But the level of abuse and the nature of it is something that concerns me, not just in this one game but with the viciousness with which some fans behave these days and consider it acceptable because football is 'passionate'. What cobblers."[LNB]Redknapp even insists that Adebayor's full pitch length celebration two years ago was not that bad. [LNB]"Adebayor sent Arsenal fans wild with rage for scoring against his old club two years ago now," he added.[LNB]"He ran the length of the pitch and slid on his knees in front of them in a gesture that was provocative. He apologised but what did he do that was so wrong? He had taken dogs' abuse from the Arsenal fans all afternoon and then reacted. Scoring the goal was an immediate outlet of his frustration.[LNB]"In the end he had to say sorry. But I for one hope that he scores a couple of goals against Arsenal on Sunday.[LNB]"I won't need to talk to him before the game to keep a lid on his emotions.[LNB]"I get sick and tired of hearing that professional footballers must be exactly that and simply take the abuse they get in the name of 'the game' and that when they snap as human beings and react they are instantly condemned."[LNB]Redknapp admits that he is already hoping to sign the player from Manchester City on a permanent deal, but does not know if that would be possible.[LNB]"Emmanuel has been an absolute credit so far at Tottenham. Not only is he scoring goals but making goals. He has great skill and is great to have around the place," he said.[LNB]"Whether or not he fits into Tottenham's wage structure on a permanent basis I've no idea. But he's been great for us so far and long may it continue.[LNB]"I'm sure he won't react again and that he'll be the best player on the pitch.[LNB]"William Gallas was the man of the match for us against Arsenal and he had to put up with the same sort of thing."
