Roy Keane Responds to James Maddison’s Celebration and Criticism After Spurs’ Win Over Manchester United
Roy Keane has fired back at James Maddison after the Tottenham midfielder dedicated his goal celebration to the former Manchester United captain following Spurs’ victory over the Red Devils.
Keane had previously criticized Maddison on an episode of Stick to Football, dismissing his ability to influence big games and questioning whether he could truly elevate Tottenham into the Premier League’s elite. While acknowledging Maddison as a “good, talented player,” Keane insisted that anyone believing the playmaker could propel Spurs into the top six was living in “cuckoo land.”
Maddison, who recently returned from a calf injury, made an immediate impact by scoring the winning goal against United. In his celebration, he performed his trademark darts routine but added a “shush” gesture—later confirming that it was directed at Keane. Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, the England international referenced the criticism he had received earlier in the week.
“There was a little bit of outside noise this week,” Maddison said. “I hope there’s a certain few that enjoyed me being the match-winner today!”
The Tottenham star then took his trolling a step further by posting a viral TikTok mocking Keane, further fueling the conversation around their exchange.
Keane’s Response to Maddison’s Celebration
The Overlap, a platform associated with Sky Sports, teased Keane’s reaction on social media before releasing his full response. When asked by Gary Neville about Maddison’s celebration, Keane appeared unfazed.
“Good on him. Absolutely. No problem,” Keane said. “I still stand by what I said—I don’t think he does enough of that. But when he scored, I was at home with my cup of tea, and I went, ‘Good on you.'”
Keane acknowledged that players have every right to respond to criticism, stating: “People have a go at you, you answer them back.” However, he couldn’t resist taking another jab at Maddison.
“I was hoping he was going to do the same the other day, but he was sub against Ipswich,” Keane quipped, drawing laughter from the panel.
Neville, enjoying the back-and-forth, then addressed Maddison directly, warning him that Keane is “now monitoring your every move.”
Adding to the banter, Keane playfully mimicked Maddison’s signature darts celebration, sending the panel into further hysterics. Arsenal legend Ian Wright then jumped in to offer some advice to Maddison: “You can’t win, James. Just do your stuff, James, because you can’t f***ing win!”
Maddison on Handling Criticism from Keane and the Media
Maddison, one of the more outspoken and self-aware players in the Premier League, later reflected on Keane’s comments and the challenge of dealing with outside opinions. He revealed that Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou encourages the squad to block out media noise but admitted that it can be difficult—especially when it comes from high-profile figures like Keane.
“The gaffer always talks about blocking the outside noise, but sometimes it’s difficult,” Maddison told Sky Sports’ Patrick Davison. “It’s constantly in your face. You can use it, but I think the gaffer prefers when we’re just in our own little bubble and listening to him.”
The Spurs playmaker added that modern footballers are often bombarded with opinions and criticism via social media, making it nearly impossible to ignore.
“Sometimes it’s difficult, it’s constantly in your face these days—social media and WhatsApp with people sending you stuff, and you do see it—especially when it’s a big high-profile name,” Maddison admitted.
Despite the ongoing debate, Maddison remains a key figure for Spurs, recently captaining the team in their clash with Manchester City. Having already beaten the reigning champions twice this season, he will be looking to silence any remaining doubters—including Keane—as Tottenham continue their push for a top-four finish.
Roy Keane brutally responds to James Maddison aiming dig at him with celebration
