Fans slam Martin Keown for criticising Liverpool star in Netherlands' Euro 2024 win
Martin Keown’s was the BBC’s co-commentator for Poland vs Netherlands (Photo: Getty)
Liverpool fans were less than impressed with Arsenal icon Martin Keown’s ‘awful’ commentary for the Euro 2024 match between the Netherlands and Poland.
Adam Buksa gave Poland a shock early lead in Sunday’s first Euros game, only for Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo to equalise on the half-hour mark.
Both sides pressed for a winner and it was the Dutch who got it in the dying minutes thanks to former Manchester United striker Wout Weghorst who scored with his first touch after coming off the bench.
While Oranje fans were naturally delighted, the experience was ruined for some by Keown who was on co-commentary duty for the BBC’s coverage of the match.
Specifically, many were unimpressed by the former England defender’s criticism of Netherlands and Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, who he repeatedly said was ‘getting done’ by Poland’s attack.
While it was not the centre-back’s best game, he still managed an impressive six clearances, completed six long balls, won three ground duels and won five aerial duels.
Fans on Twitter did not take kindly to Keown’s comments and accused him of bias, with Liv writing: ‘Van Dijk getting done again?!? Lmao Martin Keown you clown.’
Virgil van Dijk took part in his first Euros game ever (Photo: Getty)
Ben said: ‘What’s Martin Keown’s problem with Van Dijk? He’s been slating him all game,’ while Jay added: ‘Martin Keown is mental, going on about Van Dijk getting “done again” when he’s done nothing wrong.’
@_Riddock_ wrote: ‘Does Martin Keown have an agenda against Van Dijk or something? He’s always picking holes, nothing ever positive. It’s pathetic.’
‘Martin Keown hates Van Dijk because he’s 10x the player he ever was,’ @StuartKlopp mused.
Cody Gakpo scored Holland’s first goal against Poland (Photo: Getty)
Tom said: ‘Tweeting once again to say how awful Martin Keown is. He’s always been awful. Less knowledge than the guy down the pub who only ever watches Friday Night Football between his packets and pints.’
Keown did have nicer things to say about Van Dijk’s Liverpool and Netherlands teammate Gakpo who scored the all important equaliser against Poland.
He said on commentary: ‘It was always going to be that man Gakpo. Coming off that left-hand side as we have talked about. He is the standout player right now.
‘Give him time and space, he will punish you. He shows really good composure and quality.’
The result moves the Netherlands to the top of Group D, with the remaining countries, France and Austria, set to play each other on Monday.
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.