Furious Keane: End these lies
Roy Keane rubbished claims that three of his players had been dropped for disciplinary reasons on Saturday.
And the Sunderland boss called for an end to the rumour mill which, he says, can ruin lives.
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Allegations on internet websites suggested that Kieran Richardson, Michael Chopra and Daryl Murphy – who turned 25 at the weekend – had been excluded from the squad for Saturday's clash with Chelsea as a punishment.
But Keane insisted that the allegations was lies.
"It's absolute nonsense," said the Irishman.
"Three or four players supposed to be involved in something wrong?
"I don't know what the rumour is, but for them players to be labelled, whatever it is, well it's wrong.
"I've been in football a long time and it seems to be something about this area that rumours go around about different players.
"Trust me, if they had not been included other than for the fact that I left them out for footballing reasons, then I would be prepared to tell you about it.
Anthony Stokes has been ill for most of the week and wouldn't have been involved anyway.
"I put Liam Miller on the transfer list and told you about it, I left three players behind the other week and mentioned it.
"These four players were just unfortunate to be left out. but they have every chance of being involved next weekend.
"I think we should stop the rumours because it unfair on them and their families.
"Trust me, they have done nothing wrong.
"If I leave another four players out next week, I hope there's not rumours about them because it's nonsense."
Keane says his selection for Saturday was based purely on the performances of his players in training.
He said: "I use my eyes to pick my squad – I don't rely on agents or reporters or players' girlfriends – I go on what I see in training.
"For the first time virtually this season, I had a squad of 20 to choose from and that means that some players have to miss out.
"It's upsetting for them, especially when they are good players, but I am looking for them to respond in the right way.
"I used to be left out at Manchester United and my attitude was that I would not be left out again.
"Andy Reid was left out last week and he got himself on the pitch this weekend because of what I saw in training.
"He was probably our best player in training by a distance. He reacted as I expected him to react. I'm not interested in picking my teams on price tags, it's all about training.
"These four players were just unfortunate to be left out.
"They have done nothing wrong. Nothing. Trust me.
"Good players react the right way and they will be back in contention for next weekend's game.
"But if the players who were involved against Chelsea play in training like they did against Chelsea, then it might just be an unchanged side."
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Friday 10 February 2012
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