Harry launches broadside against Super Mario
Ian Whittell
MANCHESTER: Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp launched a blistering attack on Mario Balotelli after the controversial Italian appeared to stamp on Spurs midfielder Scott Parker during Manchester City’s 3-2 victory here Sunday.
The Italian, a second half substitute, had already been booked for a foul on Benoit Assou-Ekotto when he tangled with Parker in the 84th minute.
Balotelli twice caught the prone Parker, the second time square in the head as he seemed to lose his balance and fall over.
The officials gave Balotelli the benefit of the doubt and accepted his claim that it was an accidental coming together but, after the Italian settled the game by winning, then converting, a 94th minute penalty kick, Redknapp was less generous.
“Yes, I do think that,” said Redknapp when asked if Balotelli should have been sent off. “It’s not the first time he’s done that is it? I’m sure it won’t be the last.
“I’m the last person to talk about getting people sent off, but it’s blatantly obvious if you see that, he reacts like that at times to challenges.
“Scott has a lovely cut on his head. I’m not sure if he’s had stitches, but that’s how it goes sometimes. I’m surprised the linesman hasn’t seen it. The first (stamp) could be an accident, but the second one? He’s back-heeled him straight in the head.
“I don’t like talking about people kicking players in the head, but when you see that, it’s wrong. Whether he gets sent off or whatever, it’s wrong and I don’t like seeing people react like that to a challenge. Scott made a good block.”
Balotelli has never strayed far from controversy in his time with the Premier League leaders and has a cult following among City supporters.
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