Harry Redknapp Sparks Outrage with Tuchel “German Spy” Slur and Alleged Nazi Salute
Former Premier League manager Harry Redknapp is facing heavy criticism after a video surfaced appearing to show him making a gesture resembling a Nazi salute while delivering disparaging remarks about England’s head coach, Thomas Tuchel. The incident reportedly occurred at a charity event, adding fuel to the fire surrounding Redknapp’s controversial statements.
The Guardian published a video capturing Redknapp, 78, making a series of unsavory comments about Tuchel, 51. In the footage from the charity event, the ex-Portsmouth, Tottenham Hotspur, and West Ham United boss is heard alleging that the current England manager is a “German spy” sent to sabotage the national team.
Redknapp’s exact words included:
- “I’ll be honest with you, I think he’s a German spy.”
- “I’m telling you. Seriously, he’s been sent over to f**k us up. He has.”
- “I’m telling ya, he’s like Lord Haw Haw in the war – ‘We have your best soldiers captured’ and all that.”
Following these shocking claims, Redknapp is seen seemingly acting out instructions he believes were given to Tuchel, saying “go over and ruin that team.” He then, allegedly adopting a German accent and saying “Ja,” performed a gesture that has been widely interpreted as a Nazi salute, also infamously known as the Hitler salute. This gesture has amplified the controversy surrounding his remarks.
Despite the offensive nature of the comments and gesture, reports indicate that they were met with laughter and applause from some attendees at the charity event. Redknapp reportedly concluded his appearance shortly after, stating he had to “go and see my accountant.”
Sources indicate this incident took place before Thomas Tuchel’s first matches in charge of the England national team. This timeline is significant given Redknapp’s well-known history of advocating for an English manager in the role.
Redknapp’s Past England Manager Ambitions and Tuchel’s Appointment
Throughout his managerial career, Harry Redknapp was frequently mentioned as a potential candidate for the England manager position. His publicly stated preference for an “Englishman to manage England” is well-documented, particularly following the Football Association’s (FA) announcement of Thomas Tuchel’s appointment in October 2024.
Redknapp has previously questioned Tuchel’s managerial credentials in public forums. Speaking on Sky Sports, he stated:
“It’s not like he’s been a massive success. He’s come and gone at a couple of clubs. I’m very patriotic, I think we should have an English manager, but obviously, the field was very small to choose from.”
Tuchel’s hiring marks him as only the third foreign manager to lead England, joining Fabio Capello and Sven-Göran Eriksson in this exclusive group. His appointment initially sparked diverse reactions across football fandom, punditry, and media outlets. However, the ultimate judgment on his tenure will likely rest on whether he can achieve what no England manager has since 1966: winning the World Cup, with the 2026 tournament in sight.
As the controversy surrounding Redknapp’s charity event comments escalates, SPORTbible has reached out to Harry Redknapp’s representatives for an official response and comment on the incident.
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