Harry Redknapp bans booze after Ledley King assault (From Haringey Independent)

Harry Redknapp bans booze after Ledley King assault

11:51am Tuesday 12th May 2009 in Top Stories By Elizabeth Pears

TOTTENHAM boss Harry Redknapp is considering a ban on alcohol for players after Ledley King's arrest at the weekend.

The Spurs captain was arrested for an alleged assault against bouncer Wahib Butt outside Punk nightclub in central London in the early hours of Sunday morning.

King allegedly lashed out after being refused entry because he was drunk, it is claimed.

Mr Butt also claims the England player had boasted about his £80,000 a week salary before hurling racist abuse at him.

Redknapp said: "I'll implement a strong rule next season that drinking is a no-no here. Footballers should not drink."

He added: "You shouldn't put diesel in a Ferrari. I know it's hard but they are earning big money. They are role models to kids."

King has issued an apology describing the incident as a night out with friends that went too far.

The manager added: "There's still too much of a drinking culture in English football, but it's not as bad as it used to be.

"At Tottenham we do a lot with kids, a lot of them underprivileged.

"We have to set an example. Too much drinking goes on in this country. Too many people are not happy unless they have had a drink."

The Spurs defender has been bailed to return to a central London police station later this summer.

Daniel Wynne, former chairman of official fan club Tottenham Hotspur Trust, and father-of-two, said: "It is a case of innocent until proven guilty.

"There is something to say about footballers being role models, but whether it was Viera, Henry or Gerrard in this position, my sons have been raised the right way. They know right from wrong and what is and isn't acceptable behaviour."