BBC Sport

SHEARER BACKS KEANE

Monday, 17 September, 2001

Newcastle's Alan Shearer has suggested he is still a great admirer of Manchester United Roy Keane, despite their blazing row at St James' Park on Saturday.

Keane was sent off for the ninth time in his Old Trafford career after clashing with Shearer during the closing minutes of Newcastle's 4-3 win over the champions.

The Republic of Ireland captain had to be restrained by team-mate David Beckham as he tried to confront Shearer on his way to the dressing room.

But the former England international insists there is no ill feeling between the two.

"I've got the utmost respect for Roy Keane. He epitomises everything about the game, he doesn't like losing - and rightly so - but that's what makes him such a great player," said Shearer.

"Sometimes he loses his temper but if you took that away he wouldn't be the player he is and I admire him for that."

Shearer was criticised for his part in the row by Sir Alex Ferguson who suggested he was trying to prevent the Man Utd players from taking a throw-in as Newcastle tried to protect their slender lead.

But Shearer, who scored Newcastle's winning goal, said he did what any other professional would have done in the same situation.

"I was just trying to be professional and waste a bit of time, but that's football."