Roy Keane has slammed the Republic of Ireland’s ‘over the top’ celebrations following their injury time winner over Lithuania.
Troy Parrott, currently on loan at MK Dons from Tottenham, lashed home a wonderful winner in the 97th minute of injury time in Tuesday’s friendly at the Aviva Stadium.
Stephen Kenny’s side had earlier seen four goals chalked off for offside with the dramatic winner extending their run to eight games unbeaten – an impressive turnaround a year on from a humiliating defeat at home to Luxembourg.
But while the players celebrated on the pitch and Kenny hugged his staff on the sidelines, former captain Keane was not impressed.
‘It was an important win. Better late than never, but they made hard work of it,’ Keane told 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. For managers, staff and players. To react that way, to a friendly win. Come on! Get over it.’
In June 2020, Keane was similarly dismissive of Aston Villa players as they celebrated a result that ensured their Premier League survival after a close relegation battle.
Watching footage of the Villa players and staff singing and celebrating in the dressing room, Keane quipped: ‘Imagine if they ever win anything.’
He added: ‘No, listen, I’m delighted [for them].
‘Dean Smith made a good point and we’ve said it before, there were big changes at the club last summer, it was going to take time.
‘They’ve stayed up, it’s a big achievement. Celebrations, slightly over the top, but good luck to them.’
, .
,  and .
