Roy Keane's Europa League Gig Sparks Debate Ahead of All-English Final
So, here's the big headline buzzing around the football world – Roy Keane, Manchester United legend and famously fiery pundit, took on a fresh role for the Europa League final between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur. This wasn't just any final either – it was a rare all-English showdown in Bilbao, a stage set at the San Mamés Stadium, home to Athletic Club, and a venue that holds over 53,000 roaring fans.
Now, what’s really interesting is that Keane joined CBS Sports’ punditry team for the event, stepping into a role typically filled by the likes of Kate Abdo and Thierry Henry. This was Keane’s debut on the American network – and yes, he came in with all the experience you’d expect from a man who lifted the Champions League with United in 1999. But here’s where the plot thickens: Keane has always had a bit of a soft spot for Spurs. He’s admitted in the past that while he made his name at Old Trafford, he actually grew up supporting Tottenham, influenced by a childhood coach and inspired by legends like Glenn Hoddle.
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Still, the reaction from fans has been far from unanimous applause. A lot of supporters, especially those rooting for Spurs, took issue with CBS Sports not including a former Tottenham player in the panel. The broadcast featured Keane, Jamie Carragher, and Micah Richards, with Anita Jones hosting – but no one with deep Spurs ties. That stirred quite a bit of backlash online, with fans questioning the lack of balance, especially in a final where neutrality matters. One person even asked, “Why is there no former Tottenham player? Just curious.” Fair point.
And then there’s the on-field drama. Spurs edged out United 1-0 thanks to a goal from Brennan Johnson, securing their first European trophy in 41 years. While Tottenham fans were celebrating, Keane wasn’t holding back. He called United’s performance an embarrassment, saying they were lucky to even make the final and slammed the club’s structure, insisting there are "huge cracks" that can’t be ignored. That’s classic Keane – brutally honest and unapologetically direct.
All of this created a fascinating contrast: a United legend with a Spurs past, tearing into his former club while on a major global stage, hired by an American network stepping into European football coverage with its own fresh flair. Whether you loved it or hated it, Keane’s involvement brought energy, perspective, and controversy – just like he always does. And love him or not, when Roy Keane speaks, people listen.
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