Richard Keys destroys Italian media after West Ham United accusations
Richard Key has slammed the Italian media after they accused West Ham United of using “dinosaur tactics” during their Conference League Final win over Fiorentina.
Italian publication, Football Italian ran with the headline: “Dinosaur tactics see West Ham edge out toothless Fiorentina in UECL final”.
Key has since reacted and questioned how exactly Inter Milan will try and play when they face Manchester City in the Champions League final on Saturday 10 June.
“This is hilarious. What exactly did they want them to do – tippy tappy their way to defeat? I wonder how they think Inter will play v City. Idiots,” wrote Keys (Twitter, 8 June).
Hilarious
Keys is right. These accusations from the Italian media are beyond funny. Fiorentina’s manager Vincenzo Italiano came out before the game and even said his side would be looking to employ the dark arts. Yes, there were a few unsavoury moments in the stands, but that was nothing to do with the Hammers’ performance on the pitch.
If anything, Fiorentina were the ones benefitting from some extremely dubious decisions and the referee tried his best to continue playing for as long as possible before eventually blowing the full-time whistle. Everything was seemingly against the players, but they showed real grit and determination.
It was hardly a footballing spectacle. But West Ham did what they had to do to get the job done. Now, the London Stadium faithful will have an exciting summer to look forward to, with Europa League football on the agenda once again in the 2022/23 season. It could once again be a special campaign.