Richard Keogh sacked by Derby following car crash injuries

The Irish international turned down an offer to stay on reduced wages.

Richard Keogh has been sacked by Derby County, following a car crash that will leave the player sidelined for over a year. Keogh, who was Derby's club captain, was involved in a car accident one month ago, following 'an alcohol-related incident'. Keogh was offered the chance to stay on at the club on a "fraction" of his wage, but according to The Guardian, he declined the offer. The Irish international had been out with a number of Derby players, when his teammate Tom Lawrence crashed his car into a lamppost, resulting in serious injuries to Keogh's legs. Lawrence is still playing for Derby, after missing one game due to the incident. Derby's initial statement said that they would stand by the players involved, but they would pay a "heavy price". The club said: "Those involved in Tuesday’s incident know they will pay a heavy price for their actions, but also that we will support them with their rehabilitation back into the squad and team." Keogh had started in 316 of the club’s 330 Championship matches before the car crash, including all 10 of their play-offs fixtures. He missed Ireland's international games against Denmark and Georgia as a result of the injury sustained in the accident.