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Ireland boss backed in Keane row

Roy Keane: Ireland's captain and star player, but now out of the World Cup

DUBLIN, Ireland -- The Football Association of Ireland has thrown its weight behind Ireland soccer manager Mick McCarthy's decision to send captain Roy Keane home from the World Cup.

The Manchester United midfielder had earlier launched an outspoken attack on the Republic's preparations for the finals and was expelled by McCarthy after talks aimed at resolving their differences turned into a "slanging match".

McCarthy, speaking at the Irish training camp on the Pacific island of Saipan, labelled Ireland's star player a "disruptive influence".

FAI treasurer John Delaney told the Press Association: "We view the events with great regret, but the manager is fully supported by the association.

He also denied allegations made by Keane that Ireland's training facilities in Saipan were not adequate, saying: "We believe the Association provided the best facilities.

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"I think two days ago there were negotiations about Roy staying and we got over the line with that -- and we were delighted to do so.

"But Roy's remarks this morning just pushed us over the line with Mick McCarthy and the payers.

"Let's face it, we're all Ireland fans and Roy Keane is probably one of the best players in the world, but in this situation the morale of the team and the manager and the players' concerns have to be taken on board."

Keane first fell foul of his bosses following a training ground bust-up between Keane and Irish goalkeeping coach Packie Bonner on Tuesday.

Keane was ready to leave after the row, but later changed his mind. Earlier on Thursday he said he would retire from international football following the finals in Japan and South Korea.

Ireland boss McCarthy: Keane a "disruptive influence"

Meanwhile, a defiant McCarthy has defended his decision to send home Keane, insisting: "I have made the right decision not only for the benefit of me but the squad as well. We will move on and be all right because collectively we are strong.

"He is one of the best players in the world -- but he is a disruptive influence."

Recalling how events had unfolded leading to the decision to send Keane home, McCarthy said: "I got everyone together because I felt it was important to air any grievances among the players or staff.

"I asked anybody to make their comments and unfortunately it became a slanging match.

"I cannot and will not tolerate being spoken to with that level of abuse being thrown at me so I sent him home. I know this is one of the biggest stories of the World Cup and it is my decision and I stand by it 100%.

"This is a weight off my mind. I came here to enjoy the World Cup and I was stopping enjoying it. But from tomorrow I am going to start enjoying it again," he added.

Keane had earlier told The Irish Times: "I'll stick it out till after the World Cup and that will be it for me. Without a doubt.

"I do love the 90 minutes, it's the rest of the crap. I'm sure the other players love their kids, but I can't worry about the other players. I have to worry about me.

"I travel a lot, I have four kids. I miss them. Everyone is different. All I can do is look after me and my family. The (2004) European Championships would have been my swansong. It's just come early.

"I'm banging my head against a brick wall regarding certain issues about this trip. From the training facilities to all sorts. This trip is the tip of the iceberg."

Ireland open in Group E against Cameroon in Nigata, Japan, on June 1. Germany and Saudi Arabia complete the group.