Graeme Souness and Roy Keane never liked to give an inch during top level careers as uncompromising midfielders. And it’s the same in the gantry as the no-nonsense pundits were involved in a half-time ding-dong during Argentina’s World Cup clash with Saudi Arabia.
The pair clashed during ITV coverage over the penalty award that saw Lionel Messi give the South Americans the lead at the Lusail Stadium, which will host the final on December 18, before Saleh Alshehri and Salem Al-Dawsari struck as Saudi Arabia roared back to take the lead. But Keane didn’t believe the spot kick should have been given after Argentina defender Leandro Paredes appeared to be dragged into the box by Mohamed Kanno. Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic pointed to the spot after a VAR intervention and it sparked debate after England failed to get a spot kick for a similar incident involving Harry Maguire in their win over Iran on Monday.
Anchor Laura Woods explained: “The reason for giving this is because the referees and officials have been asked to look out for blocking and holding without looking at the ball, no intention of playing the ball.” Souness and Keane were then involved in a heated exchange.
Souness said: “He doesn’t know where the ball is and is only interested in the Argentinian player. He’s not looking and that is a penalty.”
Keane said: “All this will do is encourage diving.”
Souness: “Roy, you’re not listening to what Laura said. It’s a directive from FIFA. It’s not about our opinions.”
Keane: “What are we here for? I’m here to give my opinion. That’s not a penalty.”
Souness: “I’ve heard you say it 10 times. Let someone else speak. You’ll learn a lot more!”
Keane: “Thank you for your time, no problem.”
Souness: “The ball comes in, he’s not looking at the ball and the directive from the referees is that’s a penalty.”
Keane: “We’re going to see a record number of penalties at this World Cup.”
And Joe Cole had the final word, saying: “I think it was a penalty.”
