20 November,2010 07:36 AM IST | | PA Sport
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp yesterday questioned the logic of any Arsenal fan aiming abuse at William Gallas in today's north London derby.
Former Arsenal skipper William Gallas may face a hostile reception from
the Emirates Stadium crowd today. Pic/Getty Images
Gallas will return to the Emirates Stadium for the first time since completing one of the most controversial transfers of recent times by joining arch-rivals Spurs.
Crossing the north London divide this summer has all but guaranteed the former Gunners captain a hostile reception from the Emirates Stadium crowd.But Redknapp cannot understand anyone wanting to jeer the 33-year-old, who was released by Arsenal at the end of last season.
He said: "You play for a club, play well for them: you should get a good reception, surely?
"What do they want to give them abuse for?
"He got freed from Arsenal and I took him to Tottenham and he wants to play football.
"He's come here and played, done great for us.
"He's taken us where we are in the Champions League. He's played a big part in that and in the league.
"I hope he gets a good reception."
Redknapp backed the vastly-experienced Gallas, who joined Arsenal from Chelsea in 2006, to cope with whatever is thrown at him today.
"His frame of mind: he's a strong character; nothing fazes him," Redknapp said.
"He'll go back there tomorrow, look forward to the game and be ready to play."
Wenger praise for Gallas
Meanwhile, boss Arsene Wenger hopes Arsenal fans show Gallas the respect he deserves, but defended the decision to strip the controversial Frenchman of the armband. "When Gallas was on the pitch he gave 100 per cent for the team and that is what you want to respect," Wenger said.
