Holding Christmas parties has always been a contentious issue at clubs thanks to the packed festive schedule and the controversy that sometimes erupts from them.

Several high-profile incidents have taken place at football clubs' Christmas parties over the last few years.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp has ruled out the possibility of his side having a Christmas party this year after several of his players were pictured looking worse for wear during their Christmas night out last year.

Hodgson says he has no problem with his players holding their own party as they can be trusted to look after themselves.

"I have never organised a Christmas party," the 62-year-old said.

"The players, I dare say though, will have organised one because they are human beings like the rest of society.

"I haven't had any problems with Christmas parties during my time in management.

"If they do have one then I'd expect them to behave sensibly and organise it in a sensible way."

Fulham will play Spurs on Boxing Day this year followed by a tough trip to their west London rivals Chelsea two days later.

"I think the game over here is getting more and more professional," said Hodgson, who takes his side to Burnley tomorrow.

"With all the money the players are on and the pressure that they're under it has changed and now they realise that their performance on Boxing Day is important and the players realise that they can't go out and get drunk at a Christmas party just because it happens to be Christmas."

Twelve years ago Hodgson spent one year at the helm at Blackburn Rovers, who share a particularly fierce rivalry with Burnley.

Hodgson insists he will shrug off any aggravation he gets from the home crowd tomorrow, though.

"Anyone who goes to Burnley who doesn't wear a claret and blue scarf will get a bit of stick so I'm not bothered about that really," he said.

"I didn't realise until I worked at Blackburn that there is so much hatred between the two clubs. Maybe the fact that Blackburn sacked me will save me."

Hodgson should have Dickson Etuhu back from a knee injury for the match against Owen Coyle's side, who have dropped only six points at Turf Moor this season.

The Clarets beat Sheffield United in last season's Coca Cola Championship playoff final to secure their place in the top flight and have defied their status as relegation candidates.

They sit in 13th and Hodgson has been impressed with their progress.

"I have great respect for Owen Coyle. They had an excellent season last season," Hodgson said.

"He must be delighted and those of us from the outside can do nothing but take our hats off to him and congratulate him on the job he's done."

Meanwhile, the Ghana Football Association have hit back at Hodgson's refusal to allow John Pantsil to join the start of the Black Stars' African Nations Cup warm-up camp on December 27, a move which would break FIFA rules.

"Mr Hodgson does not determine what the law is. He doesn't have the power to breach the law," a spokesman told Press Association Sport earlier today.