Champions League
Gattuso Madness |
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp branded Gennaro Gattuso "crazy" following the fiery Milan midfielder's bust-up with Spurs' assistant manager Joe Jordan
Tottenham's 1-0 win at the San Siro in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie was marred by ugly scenes at the final whistle, during which Gattuso appeared to headbutt the Scot.
The former Rangers enforcer had already clashed with Jordan, who used to play for Milan, midway through the second half following a tackle by Steven Pienaar near the touchline.
"I don't know why it all got so silly," Redknapp added.
"Gattuso had a flair-up with Joe Jordan. I don't know why. He obviously hasn't done his homework. He could have picked a fight with someone other than Joe.
"He put his head into Joe's face for some reason. It was crazy. He lost his head during the game."
Gattuso, who now faces the possibility of a UEFA investigation, accepted blame for the flare-up.
"I lost control," Gattuso said. "There is no excuse for what I have done. I take my responsibilities for that.
"I was nervous. I didn't want to argue with players and I did it with him, but I was wrong to do what I have done."
The match was also marred by a "horrendous" tackle by Rossoneri midfielder Mathieu Flamini that left Vedran Corluka on crutches.
Flamini launched a two-footed lunge in the second half of the bad-tempered encounter to end the Croatian defender's participation on the night.
The former Arsenal man escaped with just a booking, but Redknapp did not see it the same way as French referee Stephane Lannoy.
"The tackle from Flamini was a horrendous tackle," Redknapp said.
"It was a sending off. He was two or three feet off the floor with two feet. It was a leg-breaking tackle.
"He will have an x-ray tomorrow but I don't think he has broken it but he could have done easily."
The game was settled by Peter Crouch's 80th minute winner and Redknapp was keen not to allow the double controversy overshadow what was an assured performance from his team, and one which puts them on the brink of the quarter-finals in just their first Champions League campaign.
"It was a great night, a fantastic performance," said Redknapp.
"We set out how we wanted to play and the players responded and couldn't have done any more.
"They did exactly what we asked of them tonight. We got a great result, exactly what we deserved."
He added: "We've done half the job. We know they're dangerous. We have the advantage but it's half-time.
"It's still all to play for. It'll be an interesting second leg."
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