Liverpool icon tells Keane to ‘get a life’ as Van Dijk war of words escalates
Liverpool legend Phil Thompson has told Roy Keane to “get a life” after he branded Virgil van Dijk “arrogant”. Thompson has defended the Reds skipper following his comments after Sunday’s draw against Manchester United.
Keane hit out at Van Dijk in the immediate aftermath of the game. The Dutch defender claimed United were delighted to just pick up a point against their rivals.
He told Sky Sports: “We carry on of course but it is frustrating because we were superior in all aspects. In the end, they are buzzing with a point and we are disappointed with a point.”
Keane was in the Sky studio and took exception to Van Dijk’s comments. He responded: “That’s arrogance. He says Man United were buzzing, only one team came to play.
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“I came here many a time when Liverpool were in a tough place and happy with a draw. He needs to be reminded himself, he’s playing for a team that’s only won one title in 30-odd years.”
But Thompson says Van Dijk was in no way arrogant and claims Keane was wrong with his assessment. The former Soccer Saturday regular says Van Dijk’s comments were instead born out of frustration.
Thompson told talkSPORT: “I don’t think he was arrogant, I think he was giving his opinion, as Roy gives his opinion, as Gabby [Agbonlahor] gives his opinion. It wasn’t arrogant by any means, I would say it was frustration.
“I really feel as though you’ve come off that game and know you’ve dominated. Manchester United have had that one chance with [Rasmus] Hojlund and you just felt as though it was frustration.
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“Arrogance was not in it and for Roy Keane to be talking about arrogance in people, come on, do me a favour. I love Roy on it but he sat back and kept repeating the word ‘arrogance’, I said ‘Roy, just get a life’.”
Van Dijk has since spoken on Keane’s verdict. He insisted there was no arrogance intended with his reaction to the match.
Van Dijk said: “I like Roy Keane, if he said that then it’s fine. He is Man United throughout and I understand he could react like that but I felt what I said and there is absolutely no arrogance in that.
“Everyone who watched the game probably felt the same. We move on. We had the opportunity and we couldn’t score and that’s the frustrating part.”
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