United fans back troubled skipper

13 April 2012

Fans of Manchester United today backed their captain Roy Keane in his row with Mick McCarthy and accused his Republic of Ireland team-mates of jealousy.

Mark Longden, the chairman of the club's Independent Supporters' Association, said: " It's unusual for professional footballers not to support each other in any circumstances.

"The players here rallied behind Keane when he was sent off in the FA Cup semifinal and also supported Eric Cantona when he was sent off at Crystal Palace and David Beckham after the Argentina match in France '98.

"That's how things are done at professional football clubs, so it illustrates the amateurism of the Irish set-up."

Longden added: "It vindicates what Keane said about the way the squad is run.

"I'd have said it's down to jealousy. If you look at the rest of the squad, there's not a medal between them.

"Most of them have realised they're not going to win anything, so they see the World Cup as a holiday."

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