MARTIN KEOWN brutally trolled Richard Keys after seeing the broadcaster take aim at Mikel Arteta.
The disgraced former Sky Sports presenter lambasted Arteta’s touchline antics in Arsenal’s 0-0 draw with Newcastle on Tuesday.
Keys tweeted: “Seriously – when is someone going to get control of Mikel Arteta?
“He’s an embarrassment. Totally out of control during games.”
His comments didn’t sit well with former Arsenal defender Keown, who said on talkSPORT: “It [Arteta’s actions] didn’t offend me.
“Was it Richard Keys [who said that]? Is he still working, Richard?
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“I think Richard had [ a go at Arteta]. Why is he having a go?
“He’s just trying to create a headline because he’s the other side of the world and no one is really listening.
“But listen, Arteta knows how to behave and he’s been outstanding with what he’s done with Arsenal this season.”
It didn’t take long for Keys to get wind of and respond to Keown’s analysis of his criticism of the Gunners boss.
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The beIN Sports presenter tweeted: “Oh Martin. Still working? Yep. Still working – for the biggest sports broadcaster in the world.
“No one listening? What are you all talking about then?
“Arteta is an embarrassment to a classy football club – as you often were.”
While Arteta’s impassioned touchline antics have been maligned by many, his passion has been hailed by the Arsenal faithful.
Keown said: “I’m not going to tell him how to behave, I want a bit of passion.
“I certainly don’t think the manager is a clown.
“People are saying that, it’s absolutely ridiculous.
“He’s full of passion, he’s been quite brilliant all season.
“He’s the one, he’s the catalyst, he’s driving and he’s pushing.
“And you can see that energy and he energies his team to go and match that enthusiasm he shows on the sideline.
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“Yes, of course, he has to keep a lid on things.”
Arsenal will be back in action on Monday night, locking horns with League One side Oxford United in their FA Cup third-round tie.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
