Former professional footballer Kevin Doyle, known for his time at Wolves and Reading, has reportedly criticized Liverpool player Dominik Szoboszlai following the Republic of Ireland’s thrilling victory over Hungary.
During the match, which saw Troy Parrott secure a hat-trick in dramatic fashion, Ireland staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Hungary 3-2 and advance to the playoffs. This win came after Ireland’s surprising victory against Portugal earlier in the week, giving them hope for further success.
A video circulating online shows Doyle celebrating wildly in the RTE Sports studio and allegedly directing offensive language towards the Hungarian captain, who plays for Liverpool. Despite the controversial moment, Doyle later apologized to former Liverpool player Didi Hamann, who was also present during the broadcast.
After retiring from professional football in 2017, Doyle transitioned to a career in punditry while maintaining his passion for horse racing. Meanwhile, Szoboszlai, who assisted in Hungary’s goals, was visibly upset after the match as Hungary missed out on a chance to qualify for the playoffs.
In an emotional post-match interview, Parrott expressed his joy and disbelief at the team’s victory, emphasizing the importance of the win for him and his family. He described the experience as a fairytale and a moment he will never forget, highlighting the team’s resilience and spirit throughout the competition.
RTE has been contacted for a statement regarding the incident.