Source: Daily_Mail
Ireland star Hunt brands TV pundit Eamon Dunphy a 'skinny little rat'
Republic of Ireland and Hull winger Stephen Hunt has launched a scathing attack on Irish soccer pundit Eamon Dunphy, branding him a 'skinny little rat'.[LNB]Former Ireland international Dunphy branded Saturday's performance against world champions Italy 'shameful' even though Giovanni Trapattoni's side were just three minutes and six seconds away from one of their greatest results.[LNB] Italian job: Stephen Hunt (right) in action against Italy's Mauro Camoranesi on Saturday[LNB]An Irish win on Saturday would have left Italy needing a draw at home to Cyprus tomorrow to qualify as group winners for the World Cup Finals in South Africa but Alberto Gilardino's last minute equaliser saved their blushes and put Ireland in the play-offs.[LNB]Hunt, whose cross led to Sean St Ledger's late goal, is now preparing for Montenegro's visit to Croke Park tomorrow and the Tigers midfielder is still furious with Dunphy's post match comments.[LNB]Dunphy has a history of controversy, falling out with Jack Charlton during his reign, and making a habit of criticising players and managers over the last two decades. His current obsession is Andy Reid's continued absence from Trapattoni's squad.[LNB]And he greeted the 1-1 draw with the comments 'a travesty, a terrible performance, shameful. We never passed the ball. It's clear Andy Reid needs to be in the team. This is a great injustice and it is compounded by it happening to the one player we need to solve our problems on the field.'[LNB]Blasted: Irish soccer pundit Eamon Dunphy[LNB]Hunt, however, responded to the criticism with a surprising outburst after training with the Ireland squad in Dublin.[LNB]It was virtually unprovoked and is an indication of the feelings within the Irish squad, who are still unbeaten in this campaign and have reached the final eight play-offs which will be held next month.[LNB]Hunt said: 'We're not so much annoyed but they know what goes on. They have families, families watch games and stuff like that. Where do they get their kicks from? Do you know what I mean? Especially Dunphy, he should know better by now. He's a skinny rat, a skinny, little rat.[LNB]'Listen, the world champions came to town and, despite what people say, we did OK. There are a certain two or three people who say stuff and they just say it for the sake of saying it - to be the bad cop. What's the point in that? To get a higher salary in the RTE or wherever they come from? It's stupid.[LNB]'I'm talking about certain people who say it for the sake of it and it just doesn't make sense. Why say it? To earn bigger money or to be the man? Silly rat.[LNB]'I just hear things, what goes on. You are paid to give a personal opinion on the game but at least give an honest one.[LNB]'Italy have always just done enough to qualify and that is their record. They just did enough to win the World Cup, they just did enough over the last 20 years. Their history says it. To perform the way we did was great for the boys, so credit where credit is due.[LNB]'I would be the first to say if we're rubbish, write and say what you want on TV, but don't say it for the sake of saying things, to be different. What's the point? Some people say things for the sake of it and you think 'What are they doing? What are they trying to achieve? Sell more newspapers or get more viewers?' It's ridiculous.'[LNB] Shay Given rues bad luck of the Irish as Italy's late leveller feels like KO blowRepublic of Ireland 2 Italy 2: Irish can now rest key players for final qualifier[LNB] [LNB] Explore more:People:Jack CharltonPlaces:Dublin, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Ireland, South Africa, Cyprus, Montenegro, Croke Park
