Intro:

QPR manager Harry Redknapp has come out in defence of Malky Mackay over the allegations that he sent text that were "disrespectful of other cultures" at a news conference in London, England on Friday. Whilst not condoning what Mackay may have done Redknapp said that he was a "great lad" who had made a big mistake.

Script:

SOUNDBITE: (English) Harry Redknapp, QPR manager (Reaction to the allegations surrounding Malky Mackay)

"Listen what I would say Malky Mackay has made a big mistake, big mistake. Him and the other lad, I don't know the other lad, but obviously what they've done is not right but Malky Mackay is a fantastic lad. Great, great fella, honestly. A family man, a real football man. He's made a big mistake. People make mistakes in life. People can come out and we can all be critical. People on the radio talking...they've probably made mistakes. Sadly everybody's an angel. He's made a big mistake the lad but it shouldn't finish his life should it? He's a young mad with a big future who's a top manager and I feel really sad and sorry for what he's done but I am sure no one is suffering like he and his family are today. I'm not condoning what he has done because it's wrong if he has done what he's been alleged to...these messages or whatever. But he's not a bad person he's a fantastic lad he really is. Show me someone who has never made a mistake in their life and I will show you a liar. It happens. He hasn't murdered anyone, he's not a rapist, he's not a paedophile. He's made a mistake, a big mistake but that shouldn't finish his life, it shouldn't finish his football career."