Liverpool star Roberto Firmino has defended himself after Roy Keane criticized Liverpool and Manchester United players for ‘hugging and kissing’ in the tunnel before Sunday’s game at Old Trafford.
The Brazilian caught up with countrymen Andreas Pereira and Fred before the match, along with Reds teammate Fabinho.
This infuriated former Red Devils captain Roy Keane who was furious after seeing the rival players embracing each other in the tunnel as they prepared to walk out on to the pitch.
But Firmino insisted that players greeting each other in the tunnel is normal.
Firmino told ESPN Brazil: ‘I don’t want to create controversy with anyone.
‘I find it quite normal before the game to greet each other, ask how they are doing. That’s all. Nothing more than that.
‘But on the pitch, they aren’t friends, each one defends his club to the best of his ability. Then the rivalry increases on the pitch.’
Keane is famous for his harsh criticism of current players but is also regarded as one of the best players in the history of United. As a player, he was renowned for his determination, aggression, and box-to-box midfield displays; he is also regarded as one of the best captains of the Premier League era.
On the pitch, Adam Lallana canceled out Marcus Rashford’s first-half opener to earn Premier League leaders Liverpool a 1-1 draw against Manchester United. Liverpool faces Genk in the Champions League on Wednesday evening while Manchester United meet Europa League rivals, Partizan, the following night.
