Redknapp fury over Thatcher challenge

14 April 2012

Harry Redknapp has called on the Football Association to take action against Ben Thatcher for the horror challenge which left Pedro Mendes in hospital.

Thatcher has been condemned from all quarters for the forearm challenge that knocked Mendes unconscious, with the former Tottenham star suffering a partial fit by the side of the pitch and required oxygen on his way to hospital.

"The FA have to do something," stormed the Portsmouth manager. "It is there for all to see. I do not want to see anyone suspended but how could that possibly not be a red card? What do you have to do to get a red, kill someone?"

Under strict FA guidelines, Thatcher should escape further sanction after referee Dermot Gallagher produced a yellow card. However, given the seriousness of the tackle, and the injuries Mendes sustained, Redknapp feels the FA must step in.

"I like Ben. Off the field, you could not wish to meet a nicer lad. But, unfortunately, on it, he does things like that.

"As soon as I saw him running towards the ball I knew exactly what was going to happen. I would have bet my life on it."

It is not the first time Thatcher has been in trouble this season.

On the Blues' pre-season tour of China, the former Tottenham was sent off against Shanghai for two bookable offences, but not before putting an opponent in hospital with a punctured lung after a similar challenge to Wednesday night's.

Without the benefit of a replay, Pearce opted not to offer an opinion on Thatcher's conduct, claiming the full-back had inquired about Mendes' health after the game.

"I certainly hope it was an accident," he said.

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