Stan Collymore brands Roy Keane 'comical' and 'hypocritical' over Andy Robertson criticism

Former Liverpool striker Stan Collymore has branded Roy Keane “comical” and “hypocritical” over his criticism of Andy Robertson.

During Liverpool and Arsenal’s fiery 2-2 draw on Sunday, the main talking point came at the half-time interval when Robertson approached assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis.

The official appeared to elbow the Scotland international, leading to furious protest from Liverpool’s players to referee Paul Tierney.

After clips of the incident emerged, the PGMOL announced they were reviewing the matter, and confirmed Hatzidakis would not work until the FA had fully investigated the incident.

Despite the furore surrounding the episode, Keane had little sympathy for Robertson after the game.

Speaking on Sky Sports the famously curmudgeon Manchester United legend said: “He should be more worried about his defending,”

“Do you know what he is? That Robertson, I’ve watched him a number of times. He’s a big baby. That’s what that guy is. Just get on with the game and concentrate on your defending. He does grab the linesman first.”

Collymore digs out Keane

Collymore claimed Keane’s assessment of what happened at Anfield was “bang out of order”.

In an interview with Caught Offside the former Aston Villa and Liverpool attacker said: “I respect Keane as a player endlessly. He was a superb midfielder – dynamic, high work rate and a leader among men.

“Our paths crossed briefly – he was leaving Nottingham Forest as I was going in, but I find his punditry really interesting.

“To call Robertson ‘a big baby’ for his reaction after being elbowed by the linesman was uncalled for. Robertson has been nothing but a good professional for Liverpool and has won the same calibre of trophies as Keane did, albeit, not as many.

“But to be calling a fellow pro a ‘big baby’ when you’ve seen how he’s conducted himself throughout their career is bang out of order.

“The way he talks is like ‘I was the hardest working player with the highest standards to ever live’ – and in a lot of ways, that is true, which is why he was such a driving force for Manchester United, but his punditry has descended into the comical at times. Sky Sports are encouraging him to say something controversial just for the clicks and the views.

“I have no problem with any pundit giving constructive criticism and feedback on a player’s behaviour or performance, but for Keane to go after a player who has conducted themselves well when he wasn’t a saint is nothing less than hypocritical in my opinion, because let’s face it, if Keane was the perfect player, he would have lifted the 1999 Champions League in United’s kit, instead he was suspended for the final.”