Shortly after the conclusion of Martin O'Neill's press conference announcing the Ireland squad for the upcoming games against Denmark and Wales, Sky Sports reported that Declan Rice had decided his international future lies with England rather than Ireland.
At that press conference, O'Neill had addressed Rice's continued absence saying that he had spoken to the player and his family. Rice wants a little bit more time to make a decision said O'Neill.
A group of journalists later approached O'Neill for comment regarding the Sky Sports reports.
"Gareth [Maher, FAI communications manager] told me it's inaccurate and that Sky are going to change it," said O'Neill
O'Neill then confronted Sky Sports reporter Guy Havord, who had been in attendance at the press conference.
Martin O'Neill: Young man, you're in contact with your group, you should know.
Guy Havord: I knew nothing about it.
MON: Did you not? You didn't know anything about it? Oh, remarkable. I thought you were running the show.
GH: I got an email at about 11:47am. So, 15 minutes after you finished the press conference.
MON: What has been said, then?
GH: What has been said is that papers have been prepared.
MON: Where is this coming from? From the FA?
GH: I don't know where they're coming from. Our reports are Rob Dorsett's.
MON: You'll understand then that until you get the story, then I can't really comment on it, you know. All I can do is reiterate what I said in there.
Asked if you would be in contact with Rice and his family today, O'Neill said:
"If Guy gets the story. I should put the press on this young man because it's his mob that are running it. [Pointing at Guy Havord] Get the story out. Get it correct."
"I would be a bit surprised at this minute [if it was correct]," added O'Neill.
"Nothing surprises me in this life but I would be surprised with their particular story."
You can watch video of the confrontation below thanks to RTÉ.
