Roy Keane has hit out at Manchester United and Liverpool players for their actions in the tunnel ahead of Sunday's game at Old Trafford.
Despite the bitter rivalry between United and Liverpool, several players from opposing sides were seen embracing each other in the tunnel prior to kick-off.
United goalkeeper David de Gea shook hands with Liverpool shot-stopper Alisson.
In addition, Brazilian United players Fred and Andreas Pereira were on friendly terms with compatriots Fabinho and Roberto Firmino, who started for Liverpool.
England colleagues Marcus Rashford and Trent Alexander-Arnold also shook hands, as did Scotland internationals Scott McTominay and Andrew Robertson.
Former United midfielder Keane was left livid by the scenes and made it clear that he feels players shouldn't be so friendly with the opposition before the game.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Keane said: 'I’m disgusted with players (scenes in the tunnel). You’re going to war, they’re hugging and kissing. Don’t even look at the opposition. You’re going into battle against them.
'The game hasn’t changed that much, the players have changed. You’re going to war against these players and they’re hugging each other. Chat to them after the game, or don’t even chat to them after the game.'
During his career, Keane was involved in an infamous dispute with Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira in the tunnel at Highbury in 2005, but there were no such scenes before this clash.
JazzyJeff123
979
Keane is from a era where rivals are rivals and not friends. They are only friends off the pitch, hence his comments
Dikborstu
946
Roy Kean is a terrific player, but a terrible human being, football was created in the first place to bring people together not tear them apart
Pubdlos
751
Kean should be precise because I don't know why u are making a Big deal out of nothing...THIS IS FOOTBALL NOT WRESTLING ...You are a disgrace to football lovers.how could you be preaching for Enemynity on d pitch? So are you telling me if a players is having Heart attack or Head concussion on d pitch the next player to him should watch him to die? Thank God I was part of generation that watched u live on ur days on field there was nothing like War so do not lie......You are a disgrace to all Irish men......OUR FOOTBALL IS PURELY called "LOVE " hugging my opponents inside d tunnel doesn't mean I will not score Dem.....ur statement was absurd.
DouglasRaphael
734
When you have a close look at his face you will understand that demons are around him.....
Woddmnrz
538
I have always liked kean but for him to criticising players for embracing each other is really a shame. This guy is old fashioned and stupid.
M_B-7
479
Don’t know about people but Keane is always like that, its his character. That’s why he was one of the best leader & captain in EPL. I think Keane is right, you have a match against your biggest rivals ( many people don’t even know why this rivalry is different from others ). Don’t be too friendly with your rivals cuz in the match you have to stop them, you have to score against them, you have to celebrate their defeat. During keane’s era Manchester United used to crush their rivals. It’s because they had a huge amount of hate towards them. Today they are being friendly, which has effect their performance on the pitch. When you’ll have hate towards your rivals, you’ll do everything possible to stop them and to win against them. You’re supposed to crush your rivals not hugging or kissing. I’m agree with Keane. I can understand what he want to say.
MumbaRk
422
stupid fool ,u were not even a Good player ,u used to hide behind Paul scholes
killyx2118
412
it's a rivalry yes but it is football at the end of the day it's a new era get use to it.....football is about love not world war
SergVeLo
404
It's because of players like roy keane, with his club-obsessed mindset makes players in the national team don't work well with each other.. They put their club in front of everything else, especially england players.. Only now u see players starts embracing their compatriots, back then they just see them as enemies.. Even when they're together on the field playing for the national team.. Ridiculous
Herberto8
381
people doesnt understand football...all those insulting him here should go fuck themselves...is rivalry match and a crucial one indeed..they should talked to each other after the match...that is the tradition and history of this match and should remain same...Roy keane was a real leader indeed and a perfect player...
Tuzacopuyz
352
i believed kean was expecting a player to die or damaged in the game, what a miserable hopeless pundit he has become
ishti
344
it's a ritual, when you are going to slaughter someone, you kiss him. 😉
foacdeipr
328
I think so many people are not a understand Keane opinion players don't have guns but it's a war against each other everyone pray against each other , if you guys said it's just game who brought everybody together please it's not true, if you say it's a game of togetherness , so what happened before some of the fans cry out when they losing , if you want to be friends it's better to go and play friendly games that's why we have a friendly match, but when you played for something it's different things happen bad tackle and insult after 90 minutes everything end if you like you can go to each other for apologise simple, if you're a footballer you know what I'm saying
Vimdmnsz
273
What a dick! They are friends. Time for war and time for friendship.They are real people !!!!!!!
vizeinouz
205
There is nothing like "war" in football. Only the racist embrace that . Taking the 2teams group pictures is even an abomination before Keane. Football is a game of family. You can play for city today and liverpool or Manchester United tomorrow. keep the love flames burning!!!
mudacdnrsz
174
For the love of sport football, anything's wrong being friendly with rival players? That's his RK attitude wishing to fight with other rival player(s)
wupadpyz
168
Roy as much as you where good, you are mad too! Come on! Football brings people together and all you think about is war! Can’t believe this guy
Hesbceory
112
Look at this idiot who don't know how to play football but very good on kunfu football hiding under the roof of good players. I believed that this stupid Kean must have taken traditional wine.
Upwardly2015
109
Someone should tell Mr Roy that football match isn't war that requires guns and bullets. It's just a game. After all, the players would remain compatriots and friends despite the Man Utd - Liverpool rivalry.