Jamie Redknapp apologises live on TV after Alan Sugar threatened to sue him
Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Jamie Redknapp landed himself in hot water with The Apprentice star Lord Alan Sugar in the wake of Daniel Levy's departure from the club
Former Tottenham midfielder Jamie Redknapp apologised to Lord Alan Sugar live on Sky Sports during Bournemouth's 3-1 victory over Fulham on Friday night. In the wake of Daniel Levy leaving Spurs last month, Redknapp claimed that Lord Sugar had left the club 'in a complete mess'.
Redknapp insisted that Levy deserved credit for leaving the club in a 'really good way'. Unsurprisingly, Lord Sugar took exception to these comments and spectacularly threatened to sue the former footballer.
"He talks a load of rubbish," The Apprentice star tweeted. "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 Monday." On his first appearance back on the broadcaster since his comments, Redknapp decided to 'set the record straight'.
"I mentioned that Lord Sugar had the left the club in a mess," Redknapp said 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." After the apology was broadcast on Sky, the 78-year-old took to social media 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."
Lord Sugar took charge of Tottenham in 1991. In 1999, former Arsenal manager George Graham delivered the only trophy of his reign as they won the Worthington Cup (Carabao Cup) after defeating Leicester City in the final.
The businessman would eventually sell to the ENIC Group who continue to own Spurs to this day. Tottenham are currently embroiled in a takeover saga with American DJ Brooklyn Earick fronting a consortium looking to purchase the club but the ENIC Group are currently denying that they have any intention to sell.
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