Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp believes that Roy Hodgson's decision to axe Rio Ferdinand from the England team was based on more than football reasons.
The controversy behind the Manchester United defender's omission from the England Euro 2012 squad has hit the headlines yet again after Chelsea centre-back Gary Cahill was ruled out with a fractured jaw.
While Hodgson has maintained that Ferdinand was left out due to football reasons, some have suggested that the real reason behind the snub was the possible tension between the 33-year-old and John Terry, who will stand trial for allegedly racially abusing Ferdinand's brother Anton.
"I'm Rio's biggest fan," Redknapp told Sky Sports News. "I signed Rio as a litte boy at West Ham United and he's a fantastic player.
"I said I would back him all the way every time [but] it's a difficult one and Roy's made his decision and whatever decision he makes we have to back him. There's obviously more to it - if it's just football reasons it's difficult to leave Rio out because he's a fantastic player still."
Meanwhile, the 65-year-old has revealed that he has no problems with Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy amid discussions over a new contract.
Danielle Joynson
