Redknapp joins calls for video technology
20 Nov 2009 - 17:03:58
Harry Redknapp today called for the introduction of video technology in order to clear up disputed goals.
Redknapp's claims come at the end of a week when Tottenham Hotspur captain Robbie Keane's Republic of Ireland team were denied a place at the World Cup next year after Thierry Henry appeared to deliberately handle the ball in the run up to William Gallas' winning effort.
"We put a man on the moon but we can't decide if the ball has hit his hand or not," he said, adding: "It takes seconds [to make a decision] and it won't stop the flow of the play.
"I am not talking about all the decisions, maybe do like they have in tennis and have three or four decisions per game."
The former West Ham United manager, though, stopped short of branding Henry a cheat, saying: "It is naїve to expect a player [to own up]. It might have been interesting if the referee had gone up to him and asked if he handballed it though."
The 62-year-old spoke of his disappointment that Keane will not be gracing South Africa in 2010 but feels that a replay would not be the answer.
"[Replaying the game] is an impossibility, [otherwise] you would be doing it every week," he said. "The officials were supposed to be the best but none of them could spot such a blatant handball, it was almost impossible to miss."
Meanwhile Redknapp ruled out a move for unsettled Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster. Tottenham have recently lost their second choice keeper, Carlo Cudicini, to a motorbike accident and Redknapp has been rumoured to be looking for back up.
"[Foster] isn't a goer because he wants to go somewhere and play, he wants to play for England. Gomes is my first team goalkeeper; he has been fantastic for me so there would be no point in someone coming here to be back up."
On Cudicini's condition, Redknapp continued: "He is fine, he has had an operation on his wrist and pelvis so it will be a long job for him. He will probably be on crutches for 12 weeks but he should come back.
"We didn't even know that he had a bike and it is the first time I have come across it but the only concern is for his health. I didn't want to stand by his bed and say 'you shouldn't be riding a motorbike'."
-By David Brenchley
