Roy Keane has launched an attack on the media for suggesting he has been 'a distraction' to the Republic of Ireland in the build up to matches during his time as Martin O'Neill's assistant.
Following Friday night's defeat in Scotland, Keane spoke to the press on Sunday morning and was asked about the series of issues that have cropped up since his appointment, including being linked to club posts at Celtic and Aston Villa, the launch of his autobiography and last week's confrontation with a fan at the team hotel.
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The Irish Times reports that there was 'a tense stand-off' as Keane was questioned on these 'distractions' by a journalist
Keane replied: 'I’m not going to give you any comment on that.. why would you think I have to give you an opinion on everything? Do you think you’ve a right to sit there and ask me anything you want and get an answer? I think I’ve been more than fair with yiz.'
When pressed Keane fired back: 'What are you asking me for? What are you talking about? What distractions? Can I do anything about the Celtic stuff?
'Can I do anything about them things that come up? If I get approached about a job and I’m upfront with the manager and the media, do you want me to... how is that a distraction? What can I do about that? You’re making out I’m bringing all these distractions on.
'Well, if a club approaches me, these things just happen, yeah. The book? How is the book connected... do you think the book is a distraction to a group of professional people? Do me a favour.
'And then people all writing about the incident the other night. Lies. And people with their pals, talking to them. So I’ve got to justify all that to you? And you all sit there and think I’ve got to answer to everything? Who the hell do you think you are? I’ve got to answer to you? No, I don’t.
'I answer to the FAI and Martin and if we don’t get the results, I’ll be gone and you won’t lose a minute’s sleep, so don’t worry about distractions. You’re the ones who write about the distractions.'
The outburst has put Keane on the front and back pages of most of Monday's newspapers, but the distraction (or lack of in Roy's mind) was just one of the issues the former Sunderland boss had to get off his chest.
