World Cup: Tite bites back at Roy Keane after pundit blasted Brazil for dancing goal celebrations

Brazil manager Tite has responded to Roy Keane’s criticism of their World Cup dancing celebrations with a withering put-down of the pundit. 

The Irishman blasted the Selecao stars after the likes of Neymar, Vinicius Junior and Lucas Paqueta joyfully jived by the corner flag after scoring in their 4-1 last-16 thrashing of South Korea on Monday.

But Tite, 61, who himself joined in with one of the celebrations, told GE Globo that he disregards anyone ignorant of the ‘history and culture’ of Brazil like Keane –  before insisting he will dance again if he is asked to join.

Brazil players joyfully jived by the corner flag after scoring in a 4-1 last-16 win over South Korea

A fuming ITV pundit Keane labelled the celebrations ‘disrespectful’ and ‘like watching Strictly’

He said: If I’m asked to dance, I’ll dance. It’s not my team. It is the Brazilian national team, for which I have the responsibility of being a coach. 

‘I’m sorry and I won’t talk about those who don’t know the history and culture of Brazil.’

Keane had said: ‘I’ve never seen so much dancing. I can’t believe what I’m watching, I can’t believe what I’m watching, it’s like watching Strictly [Come Dancing]. I don’t like this. People say it’s their culture. I think that’s really disrespecting the opposition.

‘It’s four goals, and they are doing it every time. I don’t mind so much the first jig, it’s the one after that, and the manager getting involved. I’m not happy about it. I don’t think it’s good at all.’

The Irishman said one time would have been manageable but after every goal was over the top

Manager Tite, 61, joked his neck was sore after joining in with Richarlison’s ‘pigeon’ celebration

Fellow pundit Graeme Souness backed Keane’s verdict and was equally as seething at the constant dancing after goals, adding: ‘It’s only a matter of time before someone goes right through one of these Brazilians.’ 

Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior hit back, insisting to Brazil’s critics that the team have many more celebrations ready for if they score again at the tournament.

And Tite, who participated in Tottenham forward Richarlison’s ‘pigeon’ celebration, joked: ‘I just have to practice more. My neck is sore!’ 

The South Americans face Croatia in the quarter-final on Friday afternoon, and will face the winner of Holland vs Argentina in the semi-final if they win.