Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp admits Peter Crouch’s sending off made a difficult task almost impossible, after losing 4-0 to Real Madrid.
The Spanish outfit capitalised on Crouch’s early dismissal to secure a near-impregnable first-leg lead to take to White Hart Lane next week for the return leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie.
Crouch was given his marching orders inside the opening 15 minutes for two bookings after fouls on Real defenders Sergio Ramos and Marcelo.
“I haven’t seen it but he (Crouch) shouldn’t have taken the chance, he’s already got a yellow card, he shouldn’t take the chance that he might get a red card, so that’s disappointing,” Redknapp said afterwards.
“I knew it would be a difficult night here but to come here and lose a player after 10 minutes made it impossible for us really,” admitted Redknapp.
“I haven’t seen a replay of the tackle (that saw Crouch sent off), the referee made the decision and I’m sure he made what he thought was the right decision.
“I haven’t seen it but he (Crouch) shouldn’t have taken the chance, he’s already got a yellow card, he shouldn’t take the chance that he might get a red card, so that’s disappointing.”
Crouch refused to speak after the game, but Spurs skipper Dawson said the striker had apologised for the error.
“He (Crouch) was gutted,” Dawson said.
“He apologised to the lads but we went out there to give our all and it didn’t go to plan.
“I didn’t see the bookings so I don’t know if they were harsh. To have it happen so early on when you are playing a team like Real Madrid was disappointing.”
Despite the 4-0 deficit, Redknapp has vowed to give it a go at White Hart Lane.
“Well, it’s going to be very difficult,” he said.
“It certainly couldn’t be much more difficult than being 4-0 down to Real Madrid, but we’re at home, we’ll give it a go.
“It’s never over until it’s over and you never know, though obviously we’ve got a mountain to climb, there’s no doubt about that.
“We’ve done fantastic, it’s been a great experience so far, and there’s still a game to come at White Hart Lane.”
