For those of you who were not up to date in the life of Kevin Kilbane, the former Irish midfielder recently moved to Canada with his wife and has been working for the Canadian broadcaster TSN.
There were a few ex-Canadian players, however, who were not pleased with his presence on their screens, and took Twitter to voice their distaste that former Canada players were not being hired.
Paul Peschisolido, who won 53 caps for his country and had a brief spell as assistant manager at St. Patrick's Athletic, wrote: "Good on FoxTV 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."
Craif Forrest, a former Canadian international and West Ham player, felt that Kilbane needed to have more experience with Canadian football to justify his presence: "It’s not at all about your credentials Kevin as you’re more than qualified but if you had lived through the shite we have with @CanadaSoccerEN & what has gone on you’d understand. Nothing personal mate and I’m enjoying the coverage.
Kilbane was not to be deterred, and replied with a strongly worded tweet of his own: "I honestly don’t care whether I’m qualified or not Craig. The tweet has xenophobic undertones. I’ve experienced this on occasions since I arrived in Canada. I also know full well what ex Canada players experienced but his tweet is factually incorrect in regards to our coverage"
Kevin Kilbane Defends His Presence On Canadian TV
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
I honestly don’t care whether I’m qualified or not Craig. The tweet has xenophobic undertones. I’ve experienced this on occasions since I arrived in Canada. I also know full well what ex Canada players experienced but his tweet is factually incorrect in regards to our coverage https://t.co/3qigEOJaGq
— Kevin Kilbane (@kdkilbane77) November 27, 2022
READ HERE: A Photo Tribute To The Legend That Is Kevin 'Zinedine' Kilbane
Kilbane moved to Canada in 2020 after meeting his Canadian wife, Brianne Delcourt, on Dancing On Ice in 2019.
The dancer described the happiness of her relationship with Kilbane, but also the tough decision to move on from the popular TV show.
“It has been a back-and-forth question mark in my mind for some time now.
“The hardest part will be missing my DoI family and I have so much to thank the show for, including introducing me to my absolute soulmate in Kevin.
“I’m 39 – 40 in February – and I’ve been on the road for so long and as a working mum – a single mum.
“I really had to work hard for everything on my own. The show has been a huge part of my life and part of Gracie’s too.”
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