FORMER IRELAND INTERNATIONAL Kevin Kilbane has accused a former teammate of being xenophobic.
Kilbane has been doing punditry work for a Canadian sports station TSN alongside Alexi Lalas, Clint Dempsey, Landon Donavon, and Colby Jones for this World Cup, but was subject to a sly dig by former teammate Paul Peschisolido. The pair shared a dressing room at West Bromwich Albion in the late-1990s.
Not good enough would of been a great time to give former players a platform to celebrate our success! How about players who performed in the 86 World Cup???? Typical!!
— Paul Peschisolido (@Paul_Pesch) November 26, 2022
For context Kilbane moved to Canada in 2020, has married professional skater Brianne Delcourt and has received Canadian citizenship.
Peschisolido called out the former Ireland player, calling him 'British' despite it being well known that Kilbane played for the Republic of Ireland.
Good on Fox TV having ex-USA players Lalas, Dempsey, Donavon, and Colby Jones to commentate whilst Canada has former British footballers instead of inviting back former Canadian footballers, shameful," tweeted his former Paul Peschisolido.
Kilbane hit back at his former teammate: "We 3 Canadian and ex Canadian internationals here as well as an ex Canadian National coach so that leaves only me open to your criticism Pesh. Have you come “home” and worked on MLS or CPL coverage that would qualify your inclusion??
Peschisolido then defended his stance by saying: "I’m not looking for a gig Kev but would of liked to of seen Canada involve former Canadian players!"
Kilbane then responded: "Well we have four who have Canadian National team involvement. Also failed to mention, I’m also not British and not so sure who else there could be on the panel!"
Kilbane then argued: "I find the sentiment quite racist or Xenophobic. Fox also have ex England ints & ex English PL players on their panel who provide impartial views.
"I am Irish not British & now a proud Canadian resident. That tweet suggests I’m not entitled to work like other Canadians?"
Kilbane also tweeted: "Proud to sit beside them with a great team around us. I try and provide a different view which I hope comes across."
Despite all this, Canada lost 4-1 to Croatia on Sunday, which ended their World Cup Campaign in Qatar.
We 3 Canadian and ex Canadian internationals here as well as an ex Canadian National coach so that leaves only me open to your criticism Pesh. Have you come “home” and worked on MLS or CPL coverage that would qualify your inclusion?? https://t.co/qBFtgSWB7Y
— Kevin Kilbane (@kdkilbane77) November 26, 2022
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