Historic clash brought back Croker memories for ‘emotional’ Robbie

SATURDAY’S first ever soccer match at Croke Park was a bittersweet occasion for Robbie Keane.

“It was an emotional day for me because it was my Dad’s anniversary,” the Irish captain revealed. “At the same time it was a great thing to lead the team out at Croke Park on such a great occasion. It was something I’ll never forget.”

On what was the fourth anniversary of his father Robert’s passing, Keane couldn’t help but think of a previous visit to the ground, as a young boy in the company of his dad.

“It was years ago,” he said. “We went from Crumlin, and my grandad was there as well. Watching the Dubs on the Hill. That went through my mind on Saturday, of course, but the important thing was the game and the three points, and lucky enough in the end we got that.”

At his post-match press conference on Saturday, Steve Staunton revealed that referee Hauge of Norway had apologised to the Irish captain for the yellow card which rules him out of Wednesday’s game against Slovakia.

“After the game the referee was a bit apologetic,” Keane confirmed yesterday. “Beyond a doubt it was a little bit harsh. It’s one of those things. There’s nothing I can do about it now.”