BT SPORT have dropped Harry Redknapp for their live coverage of the FA Cup clash between Portsmouth and Arsenal over safety fears.
The 72-year-old has worked frequently for the TV company as a pundit on numerous Premier League and European matches in the past.
Harry Redknapp, left, has been dropped by BT Sport for the Portsmouth vs Arsenal clashCredit: Rex Features
Redknapp enjoyed two spells as Pompey boss but left under a cloud both timesCredit: PA:Press Association
But he will not be returning to Fratton Park to watch his old side face the Gunners in the fifth round on March 2 due to the possibility he could be a target of abuse from home supporters.
Redknapp was initially believed to be an ideal choice to provide insight for the game.
However, after discovering he and other pundits would be based pitchside for part of the coverage, BT chiefs feel to risk of grief from the stands towards him is too great to risk.
There were further reservations that the potential abuse would be picked up by the cameras.
Redknapp, who still lives on the South Coast, enjoyed two stints as Pompey boss from 2002 to 2005 and 2005 to 2008.
He initially led them to promotion to the Prem before guiding them to FA Cup success in 2008.
But Redknapp initially scorned Portsmouth supporters by taking charge of bitter rivals Southampton between 200 and 2005.
He regained popularity with his Wembley joy upon his return, but he left the club again under a cloud to join Tottenham, Arsenal’s most-fierce rivals, in 2008.
That led to a huge decline for Pompey as they slipped into League Two by 2013.
Ex-Portsmouth and Arsenal defender Sol Campbell, now manager at Southend, is now believed to be in line to replace Redknapp.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
