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  -   NEWS
Thursday, November 9, 2000
Keane slams 'prawn sandwich' fans
By Andy Hooper

Roy Keane has launched a scathing attack on sections of the Manchester United support whom he claims 'can't even spell football, never mind understand it'.

Roy Keane
Keane: Voicing another strong opinion
(LaurenceGriffiths/Allsport)
The Republic of Ireland midfielder hit out after a tense Old Trafford grew restless during last night's 1-0 Champions League win over Dynamo Kiev, a result which ensured United's progress into Phase Two of the competition.

Keane appeared to be criticising those in the corporate hospitality areas of the ground when he said: 'Sometimes you wonder, "do they understand the game of football?"

'We're 1-0 up, then there are one or two stray passes and they're getting on players' backs. It's just not on.

'At the end of the day they need to get behind the team. Away from home our fans are fantastic, I'd call them the hardcore fans.

'But at home they have a few drinks and probably the prawn sandwiches, and they don't realise what's going on out on the pitch.'

The United skipper told the club's official satellite TV station: 'I don't think some of the people who come to Old Trafford can spell football, never mind understand it.'

Keane's concerns are far from unique among senior Old Trafford figures. In March, Sir Alex Ferguson pleaded with supporters to whip up an atmosphere for the Champions League game against Fiorentina. The 1999 treble-winning manager said: 'We have a problem because some people come here to admire the scenery and enjoy a packet of crisps and not get into the feel of the game. I think they've got used to the team doing well all the time.'

 

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