Roy Keane's criticism of Gareth Bale is ‘irrelevant’, says agent

ByJoshua Hayward

Updated 06/05/2015 at 15:00 GMT

Gareth Bale’s agent has moved to dismiss criticism the Real Madrid winger received following his display in the Champions League defeat to Juventus on Tuesday, labelling it “irrelevant”.

Former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane, working as a pundit for ITV, launched a scathing attack on Bale, claiming that Real looked like they were playing with 10 men, such was the Welshman's anaemic performance.

[Roy Keane: Gareth Bale gave Real Madrid 'absolutely nothing' against Juventus]

However, Bale’s agent Jonathan Barnett told BBC Sport: "Why should we take any notice of irrelevant comments from people who don't know what they are talking about and people who failed in management."

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Keane spent periods in charge of Sunderland and Ipswich during his managerial career, but was sacked as the boss of the Tractor Boys after just 20 months at the helm.

Bale, the world’s most expensive footballer, had the fewest touches and passes of any Real Madrid player during Tuesday’s 2-1 semi-final first-leg defeat at the Juventus Stadium in Turin.

[Gareth Bale: Could abject performance hasten Premier League return?]

Real Madrid's Gareth Bale in action with Juventus' Patrice Evra

Image credit: Reuters

Following the final whistle Keane said: "Gareth Bale gave them absolutely nothing. He took the easy option every time."

But Barnett leapt to the defence of Bale, claiming: "Gareth only listens to relevant comments.

"He is at the biggest club in the world. He is one of the best players in the world. He is fine.”

Ex-Manchester United defender Phil Neville believes that the former Tottenham star is suffering from a crisis in confidence which he believes is contributing to Bale’s poor form.

"The stick is justified," he said. "Normally when he gets the ball you expect him to square the defender up and go one-on-one. But he is so short of confidence, he is passing it sideways and back.

"That is not the Gareth Bale we know."

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