Firstly, if the money handed over to Harry Redknapp by Milan Mandaric was a gift then why did Mr Redknapp go to the trouble of secreting the cash away offshore in an account opened especially for the purpose and not utilised for any other transactions, and why did he not willingly declare the booty to the tax authorities?
If it was a gift, why not just put it into the current account?
Secondly, although gambling winnings are not enforceable under law and are not taxable, has Mr Redknapp ever disclosed his earnings from his extensive gambling activities to the HMR&C, particularly on events where his market access might be considered insider trading?
There have been recent discussions with lawyers over the legalities of making claims against individuals/ consortia who rig sporting markets for proprietary benefit.
Unsurprisingly, the range of potential claimants is large and is most certainly not simply restricted to traders, market makers and bettors.
Think television companies paying viewing rights, advertisers, teams abused by insiders, fans etc etc etc.
But it is a relief for all to hear Harry "To Be Honest" Redknapp state, once and for all, that "I've always paid my taxes" and we should offer heartfelt thanks that he utilised "the best accountants in the country" just so that he could pay extra tax on occasion due to his heightened levels of public-spiritedness.
Are you taking the fucking piss, pal?
Playing the Jolly Orange Giant wearing your comedy glasses might get a chuckle in court but this isn't funny, it's fraud.
You are accused of robbing the state not ripping off mug punters.
This is real in a way that your life rarely is...
25 years ago Lester Piggott got 3 years for avoiding paying tax on £3.25 million...
... pro-rata and taking account of inflation Redknapp should be out for the close of season.
"Before they open their mouths they're liars; they breathe lies" - Ahdaf Soueif.
