Redknapp trial jurors told to ‘keep eye on ball’

Jurors at the trial of Harry Redknapp for tax evasion have retired to consider their verdicts.

The eight men and four women of the jury were warned to ignore footballing matters during their deliberations.

Judge Anthony Leonard told the jury to forget about the “emotive subject” as it decides the fate of the Tottenham Hotspur manager and co-defendant Milan Mandaric. He said at Southwark Crown Court: “Football is an emotive subject, stirring in an individual anything from deep passion to resentment. It has become so commercial that it may be thought by some to have lost its way.”