Martin O’Neill: Harry Arter dispute with Roy Keane is just part of football
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ByEurosport
Updated 10/09/2018 at 22:10 GMT
Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill believes Roy Keane's alleged spat with Harry Arter is part and parcel of football.
Ireland Assistant Manager, Roy Keane, greets Ryan Giggs, Manager of Wales prior to the UEFA Nations League B group four match between Wales and Ireland at Cardiff City Stadium on September 6, 2018 in Cardiff, United Kingdom
Image credit: Reuters
Ireland boss O’Neill confirmed last month that Arter and Jonathan Walters had been involved in a disagreement with Keane in the run-up to the June friendly against the United States, and while he insisted the midfielder’s decision is due in part to his intention to concentrate on his club career, he acknowledged that the dispute may well be a factor.
An alleged whatsapp recording by Ireland international defender Stephen Ward has revealed details of the bust-up with Keane apparently using industrial language in his arguments with the players.
But ahead of their friendly with Poland, O'Neill said: “First of all, Stephen wasn’t there, he’s just picking up on things, something that we talked about at the beginning of the week. Probably not anything more to really report.
I think differences of what was said..a confrontation with Jon and a confrontation with Harry. Jon is fine, absolutely fine. Harry perhaps not so fine. But I said to you before, you’d have to ask if that is the complete reason why Harry is not participating in these games this time.
“But I think you probably know that anyway because Harry has let it be known to a few people anyway, the reasons he has decided not to come".
O'Neill denied Keane's conduct was a problem for Ireland.
“I’d have to say absolutely not. First of all – these things are important to say – first of all the incidents took place at the end of May when we were in camp. We are now here four months later," said O'Neill.
“It wouldn’t be the first conversation, the first tête-à-tête, certainly it wouldn’t be the first, if I can call it, altercation between players and staff. I’ve had one with the man sitting beside me here two days ago.”
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Republic of Ireland midfielder Harry Arter will let his football do the talking
Image credit: PA Sport
O’Neill, who flatly denied rumours that Declan Rice’s absence was also the result of a brush with Keane, indicated there could yet be a way back for Arter, who would have gone to the Euro 2016 finals but for a last-minute injury.
He said: “I don’t see why not. I think he has to clear his mind.
He’s a very decent footballer. Obviously, things have stalled for whatever reason at club level. He wants to get that going again and as I said, if he clears his mind and all the issues have been resolved, I don’t see why not.
O’Neill said last Monday: “In my time as a manager, I think I’ve succeeded in forming a pretty vibrant group who for the vast majority of players actually want to play for the team, want to play for each other and naturally want to play for themselves. There are exceptions.”
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