There are some who have taken offence regarding Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp’s desire to see Manchester City’s league clash with Stoke City brought forward by the Premier League so as to avoid confliction of interest. To those who are unhappy with the comments, I’d first like to point out that at no stage does Redknapp suggest that Stoke or their manager Tony Pullis would be willing to throw the game, or anything of the sort. Secondly, if you don’t view his suggestion that the game is brought forward as a sensible one, you’re probably suffering from some kind of anti-Spurs bias.
Manchester City were set to play Stoke on 14 May, but given that the two will now face each other in the FA Cup final, the date has been moved forward to 17 May. What happens in the FA Cup final, however will have a large bearing on Stoke’s future in Europe.
The Potters will qualify for Europe if they beat Manchester City in the final. However, should Manchester City defeat them, their dream of European football won’t necessarily be in tatters. Should Manchester City end-up in the top-four and earn Champion’s League football, the Europa League slot will be offered instead to the FA-Cup runners-up.
Whilst it would be in Tottenham’s best interests for Stoke City to beat Manchester City – as they too hunt down fourth place, the motivation of this Stoke side could be called to question. Would they really be able to give it their all knowing that a loss could aid their qualification for European football? Speaking to the Press, Harry voiced his concerns:
“I’m sure [Stoke manager] Tony Pulis would not want to lose any game but I think there is a problem with it… It would be easier if it was played at a different time, for sure. The Premier League should look at it.”
Stoke City play an important role in deciding which side earns Champion’s League football. It would be unfair for them to go into the game knowing that a loss could be more beneficial than a win. I understand that no professional footballer wants to lose a game, but that knowledge would always be present in the back of player’s heads and could no doubt impede performances.
It’s only fair that Tottenham are offered an even playing ground. This is something that the Premier League should have considered when they changed the date in the first place. I’m not usually one to back Harry Redknapp, but in this case, he’s in the right – the Premier League must act fast to rectify this wrong, or risk rendering the battle for fourth place a farce.
Follow @ThePerfectPass on Twitter for details on all the latest updates and various football-related musings.
ThisisFutbol.com are seeking new writers to join the team! If you’re passionate about football, drop us a line at “thisisfutbol.com@snack-media.com” to learn more.
[bet_365 type=’generic’ size=’468′ af_code=’365_061437′]
No Spurs and Redknapp have no right or position to question Stoke, suggesting Stoke will throw a game is absolutely insulting and obsurd.
Harry and Spurs should be punished for questioning Stokes integrity and professionalism.
At no stage did he question their integrity – but it’s still highly problematic. You must see that.
The Premier League should not budge on this one and you are wrong to support Harry and Spurs for this, if the Premier League bowed to Spurs demands then they are no better than Spurs.
If anyone is match fixing or manipulating the league to benefit them then it is Spurs seeing as Spurs are behind City by 3 points and still have to play Arsenal.
Stoke will play to win like they always have done against Manchester with professionalism and integrity.
Harry Redknapp, your a wheeling dealing cockney dellboy so go do one.
Could I ask your opinion on the Liverpool vs spurs match then please? Surely, considering the above scenario, that match too could have the implications you describe. Should that be moved too?
Yes.
utter garbage article. Spurs play liverpool the day after the fa cup final when the same question could be asked of liverpools motivation to win. one might even suggest that european football is far more vital to liverpool than stoke given the huge difference in wages etc. redknapp is planting this seed now because he is desperate to see city come unstuck. he has not mentioned at any point that his team could benefit from being in the same position. the game should not be moved, redknapp is just gona have to live with it. the fact that he comes out with it just shows the levels he would stoop to. as the old saying goes ‘takes one to know one’ and ‘arry is as dodgy as they come
Harry,
You are correct when you say that it is important who wins the FA Cup. If City win it and finish fifth, the sixth place team will qualify for the Europa cup. Liverpool (6th) are playing Spurs the day after the cup final. It could therefore be in Liverpool’s interest for Spurs to finish 4th.
However, I doubt Mancini will cast doubt on Kenny Daglish and his team the way Redknapp has on Stoke.
It’s unfortunate for Spurs, but it’s the way the fixtures came out. Games are always postponed to a later date, not brought forward, so it could only be after the final.
There’s also a possibility that if City win the cup and Liverpool are struggling to make the top 5, that they could benefit by losing to Spurs on May 15th (if City win the cup and Spurs finish 4th, 6th place would get a Europa league spot.
What about liverpool? If they throw their fixture with Spurs, it’ll help them get into Europe. Surely that game is also in dispute?
Get a grip! Only fair for what? You wouldn’t bet that Stoke get into the FA final, and so would I. But they did. Is that the FA’s fault? The fixtures were generated at the start of the season.
Sorry, but Harry’s comments are as dirty as they come.