Newcastle United FC

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Kinnear hits back over Given

21 Nov 2008 - 08:27:01

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Interim Newcastle United manager Joe Kinnear has accused Republic of Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni of a lack of respect over his comments surrounding goalkeeper Shay Given.

The Italian coach has been accused of unsettled the 32-year-old keeper after comparing him to Azzurri number one Gianluigi Buffon and suggesting he could play for one of the top clubs in Europe.

Given has recently been linked with a move to Tottenham after more than a decade on Tyneside and Kinnear is unhappy with the conduct of the veteran coach.

"I think it's a little bit disrespectful," he said.

"Shay, I think, has got another three years here on his contract.

"Why on earth Giovanni would want to bring out a statement like that I don't know - maybe he was just getting on the good side of Shay."