Roy Keane whipped his shirt off after scoring a dramatic winner during a kickabout between ITV and BBC pundits on Wednesday.
Keane's antics have left many fans bemused, as the Manchester United icon slammed Aston Villa for celebrating after they avoided relegation from the Premier League in July 2020. Keane may admit his celebration was "slightly over the top" if he watches it back.
Several pundits and crew members from the rival broadcasters took part in the kickabout, including Micah Richards. The Manchester City legend is working for the BBC at the ongoing tournament and was in goal when Keane's winner found the back of the net.
Keane, Richards and other well-known pundits enjoyed a rare day off on Wednesday. It was the first day where no World Cup games were staged since the tournament started on November 20, as the action resumes on Friday with the first two quarter-finals.
The kickabout appeared to be a close game by all encounters, with it being decided by a golden goal (or next goal winner). Keane thought he had set up the goal when he found an ITV colleague in the box, but Richards produced a save to keep the game alive.
Yet Keane anticipated Richards' stop and stormed into the box for the follow up - just like he used to do years ago. The former Republic of Ireland international hit the ball on the half-volley and it deflected past Richards, allowing him to celebrate in style.
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Keane screamed in delight before taking off his shirt and spinning it in the air. The 51-year-old then jumped over a bin and was dragged to the ground by his elated ITV colleagues. Forget World Cup viewing figures, this was the real battle between ITV and the BBC.
Former Man Utd assistant manager Mike Phelan, who played alongside Keane at Old Trafford, wasn't surprised by his ex-team-mate's winner. "No shock to see Roy Keane being on the spot there picking up the second ball," tweeted Phelan in response to ITV's video.
Sky Sports also replied to ITV's clip of the goal by sharing Keane's criticism of Villa. The Irishman hammered the West Midlands club after their dramatic 1-1 draw against West Ham in July 2020, which confirmed their Premier League status for another season.
Villa players were understandably delighted at staying up, yet Keane thought their celebrations were too much. He told Sky Sports: "Imagine if they ever win anything... listen, I'm delighted [for them].
"[Villa boss] 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."
Keane was also not impressed with Brazil's celebrations during their 4-1 win against South Korea on Monday. He said: "It's like watching Strictly... I think it's disrespecting the opposition... I'm not happy with it, I don't think it's very good at all."
