Roy Keane has been labelled as 'deluded' and 'disrespectful' after claiming that Aston Villa star John McGinn was a 'pub player' when he has a bad day on the pitch. Supporters of the Scotland international came out in their droves to defend his abilities.
Despite being complimentary towards the 31-year-old afterwards and suggesting he was at the 'forefront' of Villa's recent success, Keane's comments understandably irked many. The former Manchester United captain made the dig on the Stick to Football podcast.
"He's one of these fellas, when he's bad, when he has his bad days, he does look like a pub player," said Keane. "When he's off it, he looks shocking."
Ex-Arsenal striker Ian Wright pushed back at Keane's assessment and argued that McGinn rarely has a poor match. Keane did not seem to disagree.
He added: "If you watch him long enough and what the stats are, when he's in the team week in, week out, if these managers all like him... You'd have him in your group, absolutely, and it's no surprise Villa are doing well. He's at the forefront of that."
That did not save former Villa coach from being told just how wrong he was by club's faithful fans. "One of the most disrespectful things I have heard said by an ex-pro who should know better," said local broadcaster Tom Ross.
"McGinn is the most underrated player in the Premier League. Fact," added another fan.
"He's totally deluded on this one ...and would go as far to say John McGinn is Aston Villa's most important player," said a supporter.
"Keane is the definition of rage-baiting," theorised another.
One fan pushed back at Keane's claim entirely. "I've not seen him look like a pub player in 10 years at Villa, so we sure he is talking about McGinn and not Sancho," they said.
Another fan agreed. "Wow, he obviously doesn't watch our Captain very often cuz he has more good games than bad and even when he's bad - he's better than most, gives 100%. And when he's on it - watch out cuz he's awesome."
"I can count on one hand the amount of bad games hes had though," said a further commenter. "So a pointless take."
"McGinn is still very good on a bad day," added another.
