Everton chairman hits back at Roy Keane’s ‘stupid’ comments

It's taken less than half a day for Everton to respond to Roy Keane's comments about the club's handling of Irish players Seamus Coleman and James McCarthy.

The Republic of Ireland assistant manager was critical of the Toffees and manager Roberto Martinez yesterday, saying: 'You always get the impression from Everton that Seamus and James are both barely able to walk, that type of thing. So when they actually turn up and they are walking through the reception, "Praise the Lord, it's a miracle".' The Merseysiders have refused to take the comments lying down, however, with chairman Bill Kenwright telling Sky Sports: 'I'm a big fan of Roy Keane's but he does say some stupid things.

'That is just totally totally unfair, we absolutely love our players going on international duty and we never ever get in the way of them and Roberto Martinez will be as shocked as everyone at Everton.'