A furious Mancini said Tevez had no future at Manchester City last night after claiming the striker refused to come off the bench during the club's 2-0 Champions League defeat at Bayern Munich.

The striker denied Mancini's claims this morning, but the former West Ham man has come in for strong criticism from leading figures in the game for his apparent lack of respect to his club and manager.

Among his harshest critics was Redknapp, who claimed Tevez's reported actions had done serious damage to the game's image and that of the player too.

City have made a flying start to their campaign, winning five of their six matches to trail league leaders Manchester United only on goal difference, but Redknapp thinks the Tevez saga could knock them off course.

"If you're Manchester United or Chelsea and you're thinking about winning the league, you feel more confident today because you look at that and it's damaged Manchester City football club. And the manger doesn't deserve that," the 64-year-old said.

"It was unbelievable. I felt sorry for Roberto Mancini to be put in that situation. It's not fair. It wasn't right for Man City, wasn't right for football. I can't believe it. It shouldn't happen. It can't happen.

"I just wonder what City legends like Malcom Allison and Mike Summerbee would have thought of seeing a player refuse to play on a Champions League game. It is beyond belief."

Tevez said in a statement this morning he did not refuse to take to the field in the Allianz Arena, and there was a "misunderstanding" between himself and Mancini on the touchline.

Redknapp does not buy the 27-year-old's version of events, however.

"Impossible. If someone says warm up, you warm up. You don't even have to say anything, you can point and you get up and go warm up," Redknapp said.

"He's obviously sick he wasn't put on earlier but that's not his decision. That's the manager's decision.

"He gets paid £200,000-odd a week to either start, come on as sub or do what he has to do. It's no hardship. People complain and it's always someone else's fault.

"What an opportunity he has, what a way to make a living. Think about the other people, or the lad who got killed down the mine yesterday. It's wrong."

Redknapp's team take on Shamrock Rovers tomorrow night in the Europa League group stages at White Hart Lane.

The Londoners are huge favourites to progress against the semi-professional Irish side, and Redknapp revealed today he would rest the majority of his first-team squad.

Among those absent will be Emmanuel Adebayor, the man who has scored three goals in three games since signing on loan from Manchester City for the rest of the season.

Redknapp wants to rest the Togo striker ahead of Sunday's hotly-anticipated north London derby against Adebayor's former employers Arsenal at White Hart Lane.

Redknapp expects the striker to receive a hostile reception from the away fans after his outrageous celebration in front of the Arsenal support at the Etihad Stadium two years ago, but is sure his star striker will keep his cool.

"There is always aggravation when players leave clubs but he will get on and hopefully play well," Redknapp said.

"William Gallas played against Arsenal last year and for me was the man of the match.

"He showed his character last year in that game and I am sure Manu will do the same on Sunday."

Despite resting several players for tomorrow's game, Redknapp insists his team will not be taking Shamrock lightly.

The Tottenham manager added: "It's a game we're entitled to win. But they will rise to the big occasion. They're a good side and have done well.

"Joe Jordan went to watch them and was impressed."