Former Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp (78) is embroiled in controversy for allegedly making a 'Nazi salute' while belittling England national team manager Thomas Tuchel (52).

The Guardian reported on the 28th (Korean time) that Redknapp, who managed Portsmouth, Tottenham, and West Ham United, reportedly made actions resembling a Nazi salute after calling Tuchel a 'German spy.'

Redknapp actually took the microphone at a charity event held in London last week. He was asked the question, 'Was it the right decision for England to appoint a German manager?'

This event appears to have taken place before England, led by Tuchel, faced Albania and Latvia in the European World Cup qualifiers. England won 2-0 against Albania on the 22nd and 3-0 against Latvia on the 25th.

In response, Redknapp said, 'I don’t know,' and then added, 'Honestly, I think he is a German spy. I mean it. He came to ruin us.' He compared Tuchel to someone like 'Lord Haw-Haw' during the war, saying, 'We have captured your best soldiers,' or something like that.

'Lord Haw-Haw' is known to be the nickname of William Joyce, a British citizen who worked as a propaganda broadcaster for Nazi Germany during World War II. After the war, he was captured by the British military and executed.

Redknapp then jokingly imagined as if Tuchel had received orders, saying, 'He probably was told, "Go ruin that team,"' which made the audience laugh. He mimicked a German accent and said, 'Hey,' lifting his left arm in a gesture that resembled a 'Nazi salute.'

Redknapp said, 'I have to go. I need to meet my accountant.' The audience cheered and applauded as he left, and Redknapp noted that he did not receive any grants for this event.

Tuchel is the first German manager to lead the England national team. He is also the third foreign manager, following the late Sven-Göran Eriksson (Sweden) and Fabio Capello (Italy).

When the news of Tuchel's appointment as England national team manager broke in October last year, reactions were mixed. The Daily Mail had a front-page headline reading, 'England's dark days – the Three Lions bet on a German manager.'

In response, Miguel Berger, the then German ambassador to the UK, remarked, 'This reaction is only from a very small minority and is a backward mindset.' He added, 'England has already experienced foreign managers, and this appointment is nothing new. It is, in fact, a courageous, clear, and very smart decision.'

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