Keane Flub Costly

By Cathal Dervan

ROY Keane was aghast when his foul on Joe Cole led to the only penalty, and the only goal, in Sunday’s epic tie between Manchester United and Chelsea.

Frank Lampard scored from the harsh penalty as referee Alan Wiley’s decision was met with derision from the Irishman and his manager and fellow players.

“I did not think it was a penalty and it was the turning point of the game,” fumed United manager Alex Ferguson afterwards. 

Star striker Ruud Van Nistelrooy added, “I was directly behind the ball and I did not think it was a clear foul. The referee has to be 100% convinced it was a foul to give it and I didn’t think he was certain. The first goal was always going to be decisive and the match didn’t deserve to be settled by a penalty.”

Keane has taken United’s defeat badly. Chelsea moved to the top of the table thanks to Arsenal’s scoreless draw at home to Fulham the same day.

“We need to bolster our squad if we are going to really compete in the Premiership and the Champions League,” warned Keane. “We need to spend when the transfer window opens in January.”