Roy Keane offers a blunt response after Laura Woods points out Jack Grealish and Ross Barkley’s ‘little cuddle’ before Man City’s win against Luton in the FA Cup
Roy Keane offered a blunt response after spotting a quick embrace between former team-mates Jack Grealish and Ross Barkley on Tuesday evening.
The former Aston Villa stars were both in action as Grealish’s Man City stormed to a 6-2 victory over Luton Town and booked their place in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
Despite the convincing win for City, it was a disappointing night for Grealish who was forced off with an injury in the first-half.
However, before kick-off, the England international was seen hugging his former team-mate Barkley, who started the match in midfield for the Hatters.
ITV host Laura Woods pointed out: ‘Ross Barkley and Jack Grealish having a little cuddle before the game’.
Jack Grealish and Ross Barkley were seen having a ‘little cuddle’ before kick-off on Tuesday
ITV pundit Laura Woods (L) pointed out the hug between Grealish and Barkley before Roy Keane (R) offered a blunt response during the pre-match discussions
Roy Keane, who was also on punditry duty on Tuesday night, quickly chimed in and said: ‘Not for me. But we’re all different.’
Back in 2020-21, Grealish and Barkley played one season together at Aston Villa – with Barkley joining the club on loan from league rivals Chelsea.
During that time, the two players avoided punishment despite breaking coronavirus restrictions to attend a party in London.
Unfortunately for Grealish, he was unable to make much of an impact in the FA Cup match, with Erling Haaland stealing the headlines after scoring five of the goals.
City playmaker Kevin De Bruyne also stepped up after Grealish picked up an injury, as he provided four assists at Kenilworth Road.
The 28-year-old winger was forced off before half-time at Kenilworth Road in City’s 6-2 thumping of the Hatters in the fifth round of the FA Cup and was visibly distraught by his latest injury.
The England international was replaced by Jeremy Doku after 38 minutes with Pep Guardiola forced into an early change.
After coming off, an emotional Grealish was seen hiding under a training jacket before his team-mates consoled him.
Woods pictured with Grealish after Man City triumphed over rivals Man United in the FA Cup
Grealish and Barkley played together at Aston Villa during the 2020-21 campaign
Man City star Grealish was consoled by team-mates after suffering fresh injury setback
‘Looks like it [a recurrence of the groin injury],’ Guardiola said after the game. ‘It’s the second time. Hopefully this time he can recover well.’
‘I didn’t speak to the doctor but I think he was complaining a bit about his groin. He felt really good but unfortunately was injured again. It’s been a tough season for him. He’ll have to recover well and help us when he’s able to come back.’
The injury came after Grealish quickly recovered from a groin problem sustained in Copenhagen a fortnight ago to start against Luton on Tuesday night.
While Grealish cut a distraught figure on the touchline, the England star still took time to congratulate his team-mates on social media, along with a message on his injury.
Underneath a re-post of City’s full-time FA Cup graphic, Grealish wrote: ‘Well done boys. Away support was unreal!!! Hoping my injury isn’t to bad’ with two praying emojis following it.
