Richard Keogh in ‘very bad way’ as agent says Derby sacking could ‘open big can of worms’
RICHARD KEOGH’S agent was “absolutely shocked” when the defender was sacked by Derby.
And Cos Toffis revealed Keogh was “in a really bad way” after his axing for gross misconduct for his involvement in a car crash.
Keogh badly injured his knee in the incident, which led to team-mates Tom Lawrence and Mason Bennett being banned for drink-driving.
The 33-year-old then had his contract terminated two years early, while Lawrence, 25, and Bennett, 23, received lesser punishments.
Captain Keogh, 33, has been at the club for seven years and made 356 appearances.
And Toffis thinks his client’s sacking could set a dangerous precedent in the game.
KEOGH IN ‘BAD WAY’
The agent said: “I think it could be quite a big can of worms.
“If this goes in Derby’s favour there will be a lot of players in difficult positions at their football clubs.
“Older players with less market value who are on a lot of money, these are scenarios you have at every football club in the world.
“Should they start wrapping themselves up in cotton wool to avoid any situations like this?”
Coffis then went on to explain how Keogh is dealing, or not dealing, with what has happened.
He added: “Richard is in a really bad way, it’s heartbreaking.
“He’s bled in that shirt, fought in that shirt.
“I don’t think I can put into words how much he’s hurting and what his family are going through.
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“Richard’s world has been absolutely rocked.”
Keogh has 14 days to appeal Derby’s decision that was made last Wednesday.
Toffis went on to state that the club have not contacted him to discuss any potential reconciliation, and he also refused to comment on whether Keogh had rejected Derby’s request for him to take a pay cut.