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16th December 2024
09:27am GMT
Roy Keane was heavily critical of Kyle Walker after the Manchester City full-back was involved in a clash with Manchester United’s Rasmus Hojlund during Sunday’s Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium.
Man United won the match 2-1 thanks to late goals from Amad Diallo and Bruno Fernandes. Earlier in the game, Walker was involved in an incident with Hojlund.
Walker blocked Hojlund's run, which led to a confrontation between the pair.
The England defender then dropped to the ground after minimal, if any, contact from his opponent, which caused a heated dispute between the two teams.
Referee Anthony Taylor issued yellow cards to both players, but Walker was in the wrong according to Keane.
The former Republic of Ireland midfielder felt that the player behaved poorly.
Asked if the clash warranted a red card, Keane responded bluntly:
“Red card? Yes, to Walker. I don’t know the guy, but I’m embarrassed for him.”
Keane went on to criticise Walker’s reaction, labelling the dive as unbecoming of an experienced player:
“You don’t mind a bit of argy-bargy in the game – that’s going to happen. Walker gets blocked, sure, and it’s a foul. Højlund isn’t happy, and that’s fine.
"But for Walker to go down like that? How can he? He must be embarrassed. He’s an experienced player, and he goes down like he’s been shot.
"Contact? Look at it! I don’t know how he doesn’t feel embarrassed watching that back.”
Former Man City defender Micah Richards attempted to defend Walker, saying:
“He’s better than that."
Keane wasn’t convinced though.
“Is he? I’m not so sure,” the former Man United captain retorted.
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