John Fallon: Disrespectful treatment of Long got Kenny reign off on wrong foot

DISRESPECTFUL: Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny before the UEFA EURO 2024 Championship Qualifier match between Republic of Ireland and France at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Actions speak louder than any words and whether he meant it or not Stephen Kenny was trying to make a statement of intent by humiliating Shane Long during their first international together.

It may have been two-and-a-half years ago but the awkwardness hadn't become outdated when the aggrieved player last week chose to air his disgust.