FOOTBALL CLOSES RANKS ON BUNG-GATE

Harry Redknapp issued a libel claim against the BBC even before Tuesday's Panorama programme was screened, it emerged yesterday. Redknapp's solicitor, Rod Christie-Miller, last night confirmed that a libel claim form, which can still be acted upon, was sent to the BBC following speculation over what the documentary would say.

Christie-Miller believes that leaks to the press regarding Redknapp in the build-up to the programme had originated from the BBC, a claim which the BBC has denied.

The Football Association is investigating the Panorama allegations but Redknapp is adamant he has no case to answer. He was secretly filmed talking to the agent Peter Harrison about the Blackburn defender Andy Todd in the canteen of Portsmouth ís training ground.

"I said that I liked him [Andy Todd] - so what? I didn't sign him," said Redknapp this week. "People have obviously seen it now and, as far as I am concerned, there is not a single thing on there. I've said that from day one."

Redknapp has offered his support to Allardyce following the allegations, broadcast by the BBC, which surround the Bolton Wanderers manager.

"I hope it won't affect Bolton," said Redknapp. "I hope things get sorted out for Sam, he's a very strong character, he understands the game and hopefully things will be OK for him.

"I think Sam Allardyce is a fantastic football manager. I've said all along that he is a lad who is so clever at what he does - preparing teams with the ProZone. He is an excellent football manager and he is a smashing fella."

Allardyce has said he was "utterly innocent" of any wrongdoing. Portsmouth are currently top of the Premiership and Redknapp says he now just wants to concentrate on football.

Meanwhile, in what would undoubtedly constitute a breach of their broadcasting contract with the BBC, some clubs are set to boycott them whilst still taking the money on offer. From the Guardian:

The BBC is facing a withdrawal of cooperation from Premiership clubs after the broadcast of Tuesday's documentary.

Bolton Wanderers, whose manager Sam Allardyce was the main subject of the programme though he did not feature personally, are minded to end all cooperation with the corporation.

Panorama's impact will also be felt in BBC Sport's dealings with Chelsea, who say that their inclusion in a programme about corruption tainted them by association and they deem Panorama's actions a potential breach of the BBC editorial code and Ofcom guidelines.