Joe Hart replies to Roy Keane’s call to ‘throw the medal in the bin’ after Man City’s guilty verdict
Former Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart has shared his thoughts after Roy Keane said City players should throw away their Premier League winner medals because of the club’s recent charges verdict.
Since Manchester City was found guilty of most charges by the Premier League, former players have been in the spotlight. Hart, who played 348 games for City from 2006 to 2018, spoke up after Keane said players should “bin” their medals.
The club was found to have broken Premier League rules over nine years, from 2009 to 2018. During that time, City won three Premier League titles, three League Cups, an FA Cup, and the 2012 Community Shield. Hart won five of those trophies, but unlike Keane, he doesn’t think he needs to throw away any medals.
“Good for him,” Hart said in a chat with Sky Vegas. “He talks how some people might feel. But he’s never been in my shoes, so it’s easy for him to say that. I’ve been there, and I don’t feel like that at all.”
Hart said he won’t speak much about the verdict until the appeal is over but said it won’t change how he feels about his time at City or his career. He even turned down a TV interview in America about the situation, saying he didn’t want to make it bigger than it needs to be.
When asked if losing titles would affect him, Hart said, “I was asked that, and I chose not to do the show because they wanted to avoid drama. What can I do if the record shows two league titles? I don’t need to show off medals or prove anything. I’m proud of working hard and lifting those trophies.”
He added, “Whatever happens next, it won’t change how I see my football or career. I’m proud, but trophies don’t define me anymore.”
Hart also talked about the current City team, saying they are united and should focus on doing their best on the field and aiming to win the Premier League this season.
He didn’t just respond to Keane’s comments—Hart also shared his thoughts on Steven Gerrard’s feelings about the verdict. He said, “Steven has every right to ask those questions. He’s one of the greatest players I’ve played with and a good friend. He should feel how he feels.”
“But for me, I’m right here with my club. There’s no space to feel that way right now. Maybe in a few years there will be time to think back, but for now, I’m focused on supporting City.”
Hart understands Gerrard’s tough position, especially since Gerrard missed out on a Premier League title in 2013/14 by just two points behind City. Gerrard has been criticized for never winning the Premier League, something that might have changed if City hadn’t broken the rules. Still, Gerrard has said he wouldn’t accept a winners medal if City’s titles are taken away after the appeal.
Joe Hart’s words show he’s proud of what he achieved at City and ready to keep moving forward, no matter what happens with the verdict.