Defoe stamp mars Redknapp return

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp made a triumphant return to Fratton Park but Jermain Defoe was sent off for a stamp in the Barclays Premier League 2-1 victory against 10-man Portsmouth.

After leaving Pompey nearly a year ago, Redknapp eventually took Defoe, Peter Crouch and Niko Kranjcar with him - and almost inevitably Defoe got on the scoresheet after Ledley King had opened the scoring.

The England striker getting sent off, however, was not in the script and set up a thrilling finale after Kevin-Prince Boateng had pulled a goal back - with Michael Brown following Defoe down the tunnel in injury time for a second booking.

Spurs were ahead just before the half-hour mark. Kranjcar swung over a corner and King climbed highest, his header taking advantage of indecision from David James.

The second came on the stroke of half-time. Jermaine Jenas exchanged passes with Tom Huddlestone and crossed for Defoe to tap home his 10th of the season for club and country.

Pompey could have been awarded a penalty when Vedran Corluka appeared to handle but referee Phil Dowd waved play on.

Aaron Mokoena tried his luck from long range but went wide, while Tommy Smith forced another fine save from Heurelho Gomes with a lob.

After 59 minutes, Steve Finnan's cross found Boateng unmarked at the far post and he lashed the ball home.

Pompey were given hope when Defoe saw red for a stamp on Mokoena. Defoe may not have wanted to inflict serious damage but replays suggested it was deliberate.

Gomes, Spurs' man of the match, kept his side ahead with a stunning save to deny Hassan Yebda, while Brown was dismissed for two bookings in stoppage-time.