Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy has said that he is “astounded” by Derby County’s decision to sack defender Richard Keogh in the wake of the drink driving incident which occurred in September, also involving Tom Lawrence and Mason Bennett.
In September, Derby County duo Tom Lawrence and Mason Bennett were charged for drink-driving after a team-bonding session. The car crashed after leaving and in doing so, club captain Richard Keogh – who was also in the car – suffered a serious knee injury, which is set to keep him out of action for at least a year.
In the wake of the incident, both Bennett and Lawrence were charged but have been involved in the Derby County first-team picture since. Keogh, on the other hand, had his contract with the club – which was set to expire at the end of the current season – terminated on terms of gross misconduct.
And now, Republic of Ireland boss Mick McCarthy has moved to support Keogh, stating that he is “astounded” by Keogh’s situation. He said:
“I’m astounded at what’s gone on there, I really am. I’ve only worked with him since December and he’s been brilliant, such a great guy,” McCarthy said while speaking at the PFA Ireland awards (as quoted by Buzz.ie Sport)
“I know they (English PFA) have taken it on and so they should be, that’s where they (players) really need help in cases like that. If Richard has got in an Uber and the Uber driver was drunk I don’t think they would have sacked him.”
