Less than 24 hours after the news emerged that Richard Keogh had been sacked by Derby County, the player is now set to appeal the decision to terminate his contract.
The Athletic are exclusively reporting that Keogh will appeal the decision to sack him due to gross misconduct, having been 'shocked' by the club's decision. The PFA have also become involved with the case.
Derby released a statement yesterday to explain their decision:
Derby County Football Club has completed the disciplinary hearing regarding Richard Keogh in respect of his involvement in the events of Tuesday, September 24.
As a result of that process, Mr Keogh has had his contract terminated with immediate effect for gross misconduct. He has the right of appeal within 14 days.
As we have said from the outset, the club will not tolerate any of its players or staff behaving in a manner which puts themselves, their colleagues, and members of the general public at risk of injury or worse, or which brings the club into disrepute.
As many have pointed out, there have been no such ramifications for Tom Lawrence and Mason Bennett, the two players who have been charged with drink driving for their involvement in the incident. It has been speculated that Keogh has been singled out due to his age and long-term injury.
The Ireland international is set to be out of action until December 2020, and it is believed that he will require two more operations. Derby have offered to help with his cost of rehabilitation, while the PFA will likely contribute also.
Keogh was found in the vehicle by a passing ambulance on the night in question, with both Lawrence and Bennett having left the without calling emergency services. They would later return to the scene.
The Athletic believe that Keogh will appeal the decision within the next 14 days.
