Harry: I feared the worst

Posted Tuesday, March 20, 2012 by The Sun

TRAGIC FLASHBACKS ... Spurs boss Redknapp

HARRY REDKNAPP feared he was witnessing a repeat of Marc-Vivien Foe's death on the pitch when Bolton's Fabrice Muamba collapsed on Saturday.

The Tottenham manager was feet away as emergency crews battled to save Muamba.

He said: "When they were pumping his heart, we realised just how desperate it was. I feared the worst. None of us could believe what had happened. Everyone was shocked."

Redknapp says the distressing scenes of the abandoned FA Cup quarter-final gave him flashbacks to Foe's death while playing for Cameroon in 2003.

Former West Ham and Manchester City star Foe collapsed on the field during his nation's Confederations Cup match against Colombia, played in Lyon, France.

Redknapp believes Muamba, 23, would not have survived had the tie not been at a league ground, where specialist resuscitation equipment was available to medics.

He said: "Marc played for me at West Ham. That was horrendous, the lucky thing for Fabrice was that it was at a Prem ground.

"If it had been a Sunday morning footballer or non-league, I do not think he would have pulled through.

"It was obviously a problem that was there so it was lucky it happened where it did as the medical people were fantastic."

Redknapp admits the trauma has had a huge effect on the Tottenham players as they prepare for tomorrow's crucial game with Stoke.

Potters manager Tony Pulis offered to postpone the Premier League clash but Redknapp wanted it to go ahead as scheduled.

He is also confident the Bolton game will be replayed, despite Wanderers considering withdrawing from the Cup altogether.

Midfielder Muamba was last night responding to treatment in intensive care at the London Chest Hospital.

A statement from Bolton said: "Fabrice is continuing to show signs of improvement. He is able to breathe independently without the aid of a ventilator.

"He has also been able to recognise family members and respond to questions appropriately.

"However, his condition remains serious and our medical staff in intensive care will continue to monitor and treat him."