Kevin Doyle sparked controversy during Ireland’s post-match celebrations after appearing to direct a crude remark toward a Liverpool player while reacting live on air to Ireland’s dramatic victory over Hungary.
The former Republic of Ireland striker, who earned 62 caps for his country, was part of the RTÉ Sport panel on Sunday as he watched Troy Parrott complete a sensational hat-trick – including a 96th-minute winner – to seal a 3-2 comeback win in Budapest and secure a World Cup play-off place.
That late goal triggered jubilant scenes in the studio, with Doyle sprinting around in celebration before shouting: “Suck on that you Liverpool c**t.”
The outburst aired live and immediately drew attention online.
It hasn't been confirmed who the insult was aimed at. However, Dominik Szoboszlai is the likelist option due to the fact he'd become a focal point earlier in the match after mocking the away supporters.
Szoboszlai plays for Liverpool, as does left-back Milos Kerkez, meaning either could have been the intended target.
Doyle did not clarify, and the comment was made amidst emotional, spontaneous celebrations.
Kevin Doyle sparked controversy during Ireland’s post-match celebrations after appearing to direct a crude remark toward a Liverpool player while reacting live on air to Ireland’s dramatic victory over Hungary
|RTE
Szoboszlai had sparked controversy with his antics earlier in the match.
When Barnabás Varga restored Hungary’s lead at 2-1, the midfielder turned to the Ireland section and recreated the crying gesture Cristiano Ronaldo had made in Portugal’s defeat to Ireland days earlier.
By full-time, the roles had reversed.
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Kevin Doyle played for the likes of Wolves and Reading during his Premier League career
|PA
Parrott’s stoppage-time strike completed both his hat-trick and Ireland’s comeback, leaving Hungary devastated while Szoboszlai appeared emotional as he left the pitch.
As Doyle settled down following his shout, he immediately apologised to fellow pundit Didi Hamann, the former Liverpool midfielder, who was seated beside him in the studio.
Ireland’s victory sealed second place in their qualifying group, eliminating Hungary and booking a path to the World Cup play-offs for the first time since the current format was introduced.
Their semi-final opponents will be confirmed on Thursday, with the one-off tie offering a route to a final play-off showdown for a spot at next summer’s tournament in North America.
Doyle, now 42, never reached a World Cup during his own international career, despite scoring 14 goals for Ireland between 2006 and 2017.
At club level he netted 37 Premier League goals for Reading, Wolves and Crystal Palace before ending his career in MLS.
Dominik Szoboszlai riled Irish fans during their match with Hungary
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Ireland’s dramatic turnaround, combined with Szoboszlai’s earlier taunt, made Parrott’s late winner all the sweeter for Irish supporters.
The Tottenham academy graduate, now at AZ Alkmaar, delivered one of the most memorable performances of his career and was visibly emotional in post-match interviews.
The Hungarian captain, meanwhile, cut a dejected figure at full time as the home side’s World Cup hopes evaporated.
They last made the World Cup back in 1986.