When Jose Mourinho popped up on Goals on Sunday yesterday, Richard Keys wondered what had brought about the appearance. Phone calls were made and he discovered it was to bring to an end the tension the broadcaster and the Chelsea manager. Tension which had been created by Jamie Redknapp.
Late last month the former Liverpool player said that Diego Costa should have been sent off for a stamp on Emre Can during the League Cup semi-final. Mourinho was incensed saying that Redknapp was waging a campaign against Chelsea.
Keys revealed this on his blog. That the appearance was supposed to "clear the air" was not the only thing that the former Sky Sports presenter disclosed though. He also said that Redknapp was banned from working on games which his father was involved in as he nearly got in a fight with someone following the 4-4 draw between Arsenal and Spurs back in 2008.
It was all pre arranged. It was a decision made at the 'highest' levels of the broadcaster and Chelsea as they tried to clear the air after recent problems between the two, started by something Jamie Redknapp said I'm told. I don't know for sure because I'm busy doing my own job when he's on air.
I can believe the suggestion though. I lost count of the times I had to calm him during the many occasions I worked with him. There's a guy at Arsenal can thank his lucky stars there was glass between him and Redknapp the night of the 4-4 v Spurs at the Emirates. Jamie lost the plot completely. He wanted to fight him. It was the last time we let him work on a game that one of his Dad's teams was playing in. He would often get too close to individuals he liked, or not, and couldn't offer objective opinions.
The blog itself, along with looking like it's hosted on Geocities circa 1997, features this classy logo.
h/t Miguel Delaney
