The former footballer didn’t hold back as he mocked Scotland’s famous fan tradition
Roy Keane has taken aim at the Tartan Army’s famous bagpipes after Scotland fans made their presence felt across America during the World Cup. The former Manchester United captain was discussing the atmosphere created by travelling supporters during an episode of The Overlap podcast alongside Gary Neville and Ian Wright.
Keane turned his attention to some of the most memorable fan moments from the tournament, including cultural customs. As honest as ever, the Irish pundit proclaimed that he had heard enough of the instrument, even calling them “annoying”.
While supporters from across the world brought their own atmosphere the competition, it was the Norwegian fans’ famous rowing celebration and the sound of Scotland’s bagpipes that caught the attention of the podcast hosts.
Norway’s synchronised rowing routine became one of the most recognisable fan celebrations in the United States, with supporters performing the move in fan zones and city streets, including a viral display in Times Square, New York.
But Keane was far from convinced by the trend as he branded it as “boring” when former Arsenal player Wright began praising the unique tradition. After Wright demonstrated the rowing motion, Keane sarcastically responded: “That’s mind boggling that,” before adding: “Jesus Christ,” as Wright continued with the routine.
The conversation moved on to Scotland supporters, who travelled in large numbers and brought their trademark atmosphere to America, with bagpipes being played throughout the tournament. The Tartan Army are well known for creating a party atmosphere wherever they travel, with the traditional instrument being performed at every Scotland game by travelling supporters.
However, Keane joked that the constant praise for the bagpipes had started to wear thin. “Scotland fans, if I see another bagpipe. Everyone going, aw that’s amazing,” he said, before pretending to play the instrument with his arms.
“Guys playing a bagpipe. You can do that any day of the week!” Roy added, throwing his hands up in protest. The pundit began to mock the instrument as he said: “’Everyone quiet there’s a guy with a bagpipe.’ So what?”
Gary Neville then took a light-hearted swipe at Scotland’s early departure from the competition, knowing fine well the tournament had finished, he stated: “Are Scotland still in the tournament?”
Keane quickly joined in with the joke, replying: “Have they been told that they’ve been knocked out yet?” prompting laughs from Neville, who couldn’t seem to hide his wide grin at the joke.
With a laugh Keane continued: “Scotland hanging on for three weeks going ‘we’re just waiting’.”
Clearly talking about the Scotland supporters Neville joked: “Scotland were here longer than England.” To which Keane responded: “We will see them at the airport tomorrow.”
Still keeping the joke going, he added: “They better not be on my flight. If there’s a guy with a bagpipe on my flight.”
The discussion later returned to Norway’s fan celebrations, with Neville and Wright praising the supporters for creating memorable scenes in New York. However, Keane insisted some of the praise for the displays for both Scotland and Norway supporters had gone too far, claiming the tournament had been missing fans from other nations.
Revealing which supporters he was referring to, Keane added: “You’re praising all these fans, listen. It missed the Irish and the Italians, let’s be honest. The Irish are the best.”
“But everyone going oh,” he said, once again mocking both the rowing and bagpipes with exaggerated gestures. He continued: “And everyone going that’s amazing. It is at the start, but three weeks later you’re going ‘we get it, you rowed over here’, Jesus man.”
