“Honestly, that’s way over the top.”
Roy Keane has said that the Republic of Ireland went too far when celebrating their win over Lithuania on Tuesday night.
Stephen Kenny’s side won the friendly game 1-0 thanks to a brilliant strike from Troy Parrott in the 97th minute. The goal sparked exuberant celebrations from Ireland fans, players and coaches at the Aviva Stadium.
However, Keane, who was Ireland’s assistant manager between 2013 and 2018, has taken issue with the reaction to Parrott’s strike.
He has said that the celebrations after beating the team ranked 137th in the world were ‘way over the top.’
Roy Keane criticises Ireland celebrations after win over Lithania.
“It was an important win, better late than never, but they made hard work of it,” the former Ireland captain said on ITV.
“I think the celebrations at the end are way over the top.
“But an important goal, even for Parrott, he’s a young player. His career has probably stalled a little bit. But they kept going, showed a bit of spirit and fight.
“You take that win. The feel-good factor, keep that going, a bit of momentum.
“Honestly, that’s way over the top (the celebrations). For managers, staff and players to react that way to a friendly win. Come on. Get over it.”
Keane on Ireland under Stephen Kenny.
This isn’t the first time Keane has commented on Kenny or members of his backroom staff. Last November, the Cork-native said that the Ireland manager was doing ‘okay’ in the job.
“And if okay is fine for everybody else in Ireland, good luck to them,” Keane said.
“Along the line at top-level football, I thought winning was part of that package. Maybe I’m wrong.”
The former Manchester United captain also referred to Keith Andrews, Kenny’s assistant manager, as a ‘bulls*****’ in an interview back in 2020.
Ahead of the Lithuania match, Andrews said that Keane’s comments didn’t affect him.
Troy Parrott in the 97th minute 🤯
What. A. Finish 🙌#IRLLIT pic.twitter.com/3SsdBSnp6R"
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) March 29, 2022
Related links.
- Stephen Kenny: Belgium struggled against Ireland’s ‘relentless pressing’
- “I’ve come across loads of them in my time as a coach” – Brian Kerr’s sage advice to Troy Parrott.
- Belgium manager Roberto Martinez praises Ireland performance in 2-2 draw.
