Redknapp condemns Costa’s alleged refusal to warm-up

HARRY Redknapp has lashed out at Chelsea striker Diego Costa for allegedly refusing to warm up against Tottenham, admitting there would be “murders in the dressing room” had he done it on his watch.

The 27-year-old engaged in an angry exchange of views with Jose Mourinho at the half-time interval of their 4-0 win over Maccabi Tel Aviv in midweek.

Costa was dropped to the bench against Tottenham yesterday and allegedly refused to warm up with his teammates, leading to criticism from former Spurs boss Redknapp.

He told BT Sport: “I have never had a player who didn’t go out for a warm up.

“If I had somebody in the dressing room sitting with the hump because they weren’t playing or starting and they are not going out for a warm up there would be murders in the dressing room.”

Former Liverpool midfielder Steve McManaman echoed the views of his colleague and stated the player’s poor attitude means he deserves to be dropped.

He said: “Diego Costa is struggling and not scoring goals.”