Liverpool’s Hungarian midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai has denied claims that he mocked the Republic of Ireland in celebrations during Sunday’s dramatic World Cup qualifiers.
Dominik Szoboszlai has insisted that his controversial celebration during Hungary’s dramatic 3-2 defeat to Ireland on Sunday was not aimed at Ireland fans following a media frenzy.
The Liverpool midfielder was seen with his teammates putting his hand on his nose and wiggling his fingers towards the Hungarian bench after Barnabas Varga restored the lead for the hosts in a crucial match for both countries’ World Cup qualification.
But it was Ireland, not Hungary, who kept their World Cup dream alive thanks to a dramatic second-half double from Troy Parrott who completed a historic hat-trick. The third of those goals sparked jubilant scenes for the Irish, with former Premier League striker Kevin Doyle appearing to take aim at the Liverpool star, and is said to have said things like: “Fuck you, Liverpool bastard.”
read more: Liverpool star Dominik Szoboszlai releases heartbreaking statement after World Cup failureread more: Tottenham’s clever Troy Parrott transfer clause and reasons for striker’s departure explained
As the dust settled over the weekend, Szoboszlai broke his silence around the celebration, explaining that it was just an inside joke rather than something more sinister.
“I’m not the type of person who tries to influence what people think about me,” he told Hungarian outlet Blikk. “But to be clear, this is just a stupid joke between me and my teammates from the national team, especially András Schafar, Barnabas Varga and Peter Schappanos. There, I even told you all your names.”
“It was a joke between the four of us, but I fully support it. I will also let them know if it was aimed at the Irish team and the fans.”
At the final whistle, Szoboszlai looked completely devastated as he saw Hungary’s World Cup dreams come to an end. The captain was scheduled to apologize to the Hungarian people on social media soon after. He writes: “It hurts. It hurts because I really wanted it!”
“Not just for us, but for you too. For those of you who are always by our side and will be with us until the end of the world.
“As team captain, I regret not being able to take part this time… I am very proud of all the players, staff and coaches. I love being Hungarian, even if life tests me. One day all the details will fall into place, that is why we work again and again. You are mine.”
“We owe it to you and us to host the World Cup! The work has begun again.
“I love Hungary!”
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