Ghaly was set to make his first Spurs appearance since May 2007, but the Egyptian was soundly jeered by his own-club fans, who evidently could not forget his infamous shirt tantrum incident.

Subsequently, coach Redknapp, who seemingly knew little about the case, opted to keep Ghaly on the bench despite the fact that the latter had already stripped.

"We need him. We all make mistakes in life. Show me someone who hasn't made mistakes and I'll show you a liar. Everyone deserves another chance," the former Portsmouth boss said after the game.

"It's difficult for the lad. He's been okay since I've been here and his attitude has been fine. I felt sorry for him."

"I'd have been upset if I'd been subbed as a sub."

Atmosphere

The Spurs boss indicated that he reverted on his decision to bring in Ghaly late in the 3-1 win in order not to blemish the atmosphere at White Hart Lane.

"Everyone started booing and I heard people shouting abuse. I didn't want to change the atmosphere of the game with eight or nine minutes left," Redknapp added.

"Obviously there is a problem with the boy playing. It's got to be very difficult for him in the future. I spoke to him afterwards about it."

Ghaly will have to wait for another opportunity to impress Redknapp, as the former Ahli schemer failed to make the squad in any Premiership game so far this season.