Roy Keane Slates Newcastle Stars For Hard-Man Antics In Liverpool Loss

Looking at the game between Liverpool and Newcastle United on Monday night, there is no doubt that the fixture had the feel of an old school Premier League clash.

The atmosphere at St James' Park was a fervent one, while the game itself was not short on physicality. Newcastle certainly came into it with a goal of roughing up their opponents, something that backfired after Anthony Gordon received a straight red card just before the interval.

Approaching the game with roughhouse tactics is one thing, but some were unimpressed when it came to Newcastle's antics on the ball against Liverpool.

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Roy Keane Hammers Newcastle Players For Antics In Loss To Liverpool

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Considering the narrative before that game about Newcastle overpowering Liverpool, it was rather ironic how things would play out. Not only did Eddie Howe's team have a man sent off, but both Sandro Tonali and Joelinton would be forced off due to injury.

While the home side were massively physical out of possession, some think they were not quite as keen to become involved in duels when on the ball themselves.

Speaking on Stick To Football, Roy Keane would criticise Newcastle for their going down softly whenever they were touched by Liverpool players, especially when attempting to portray a hard-man image both before and during the fixture.

Newcastle were kicking Liverpool all over the place, getting stuck in as you do, there's nothing wrong with that and I like that physical side of the game. But as soon as anyone touches any one of the Newcastle players, they're rolling around? Gordon is a prime example. You look at Gordon and he falls over, then he's going around kicking everybody and apologising afterwards. 'I didn't mean it', then what were you doing? Of course (the red card) was a bad one, but what's the point in apologising after?.. As bad as Liverpool were, they stood up to all that stuff. I love football because of the physicality. But these Newcastle lads were getting stuck in and appealing for every decision. Ironically, one gets sent off and two go off injured. Liverpool also stood up up to that side of it, that's why I have to give Liverpool credit.

Liverpool performed poorly in the game, but there would no doubt have been a sense of satisfaction with the way they came away with three points.

Newcastle were in the opposite position, having little to show for what was a strong performance with ten men.

In any case, it seems Roy Keane was not impressed with their conduct on the night.

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