Paul Galvin has caused internet uproar in Irish football circles with comments he made about the passing ability of Paul Scholes.
On Thursday evening, the ex-Kerry forward reshared a video of some of the Manchester United legend's finest passes, but added the following caption: "Scholes amazing player but I could name a dozen Gaelic footballers who could pass like this given the same time and space."
Naturally, the comment attracted plenty of reaction, with some backing Scholes and others claiming that there is no comparison between the two sports.
Even former Ireland international Kevin Kilbane weighed in, posting:
"I seriously doubt that but if there’s a comparison, I’d say that most soccer players would score from 45s 10/10 every time."
Soccer fans back Paul Scholes over Paul Galvin comments
If the backlash took Galvin by surprise, then it's fair to say that he's not in tune with the argumentative nature of sports-loving Twitter users.
Or, he simply figured that angering scores of Man United/soccer fans was worth the hassle.
He later took time to clarify what he meant, stating that he was mostly referring to those who played during his own era as an inter-county player.
Scholes amazing player but I could name a dozen Gaelic footballers who could pass like this given the same time and space . 🤷🏼♂️ https://t.co/aTkXpmDMvb
— paul galvin (@pgal10) May 25, 2023
Can Paul Scholes pass like GAA greats?
"Cooper, Connolly, McDonald, McGuigan, S O Neill, Moynihan , Donnellan, Joyce, Fitzmaurice from my era could all pass w/this accuracy with even less time & space," he added later.
"Maybe I shoulda said retired players but the soccer aficionados know better & own all opinions on the beautiful game."
After sleeping on it, the four-time All-Ireland winner further explained that there's less time and space for Gaelic footballers to spray such passes, particularly in the modern game.
However, he named a few of today's players who might be able to come up with such genius.
"Lively debate w/soccer experts last night," he posted.
"Gaelic footballers can pass (from the hand) w/this accuracy, less time & space & more physical contact. Modern game doesn’t allow it but doesn’t mean players can’t do it. Cliffords, Canavans, Walsh, Cluxton, Morgan, Beggan, R O Neill."
25 September 2018; Paul Scholes of Manchester United Legends warms up prior to the Liam Miller Memorial match between Manchester United Legends and Republic of Ireland & Celtic Legends at Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
Paul Galvin angers Man United fans
As a known Man United fan, it was certainly surprising to see Galvin have an apparent dig at one of the greatest midfielders to grace the Old Trafford turf.
If his comments have reached Scholes, they're likely to have been met with a smirk, with the ex-England man probably fancying his chances at kicking a ball around Croke Park on a summer afternoon.
