Former Tottenham midfielder Jamie Redknapp issued an apology to Lord Alan Sugar live on Sky Sports during Bournemouth’s 3-1 triumph over Fulham on Friday evening. Following Daniel Levy’s departure from Spurs last month, Redknapp had suggested that Lord Sugar had left the club ‘in a complete mess’.
Redknapp maintained that Levy deserved recognition for departing the club in a ‘really good way’. Unsurprisingly, Lord Sugar took umbrage at these remarks and dramatically threatened legal action against the former footballer.
“He talks a load of rubbish,” The Apprentice star posted on social media. “He said when Daniel Levy took over Spurs, Alan Sugar left the club in a right mess.
“He and SKY will be hearing from my lawyers on Monday.” During his first appearance back on the broadcaster since making his remarks, Redknapp chose to ‘set the record straight’.
“I mentioned that Lord Sugar had the left the club in a mess,” Redknapp stated during the Friday Night Football coverage. “I just want to make clear that he stabilised the club and invested heavily during his time as chairman.
“When he took over in 1991, Spurs were close to bankruptcy and by the time he stepped away the financial position had been turned around. He also put significant money into the team and facilities.
“I apologise to Lord Sugar and his family for any misunderstanding and for any distress caused, and am happy to set the record straight.” Following the apology being aired on Sky, the 78-year-old turned to X to respond.
“On September 13 Jamie Redknapp stated on Sky Sports that I left Tottenham ‘in a mess’ when I sold the club to Daniel Levy,” he wrote on X. “Tonight, during Sky’s Bournemouth v Fulham coverage, Redknapp has made a full apology and has retracted this false allegation.
“Also, by way of a further apology, a donation of £10,000 has been made to Great Ormond Street Hospital.” As mentioned, Lord Sugar assumed control of Tottenham in 1991.
In 1999, former Arsenal boss George Graham delivered the sole silverware of his tenure as they clinched the Worthington Cup (Carabao Cup) following victory over Leicester City in the final. The tycoon would subsequently offload the club to the ENIC Group who remain Spurs’ owners today.
Tottenham are presently caught up in takeover drama with American DJ Brooklyn Earick spearheading a consortium seeking to acquire the club. However, the ENIC Group are currently rejecting suggestions they harbour any plans to sell.
