Roy Keane and Ian Wright clash as Man Utd icon calls out Ward-Prowse’s ‘cheating’ for scuffing penalty spot vs Iceland

ROY KEANE and Ian Wright clashed over James Ward-Prowse’s “cheating” to scuff up the penalty spot against Iceland.

The former Manchester United captain was unhappy with the England midfielder for his antics ahead of the last-minute penalty.

James Ward-Prowse was labelled a ‘cheat’ by Roy Keane for scuffing up the penalty spot

The Southampton midfielder was not booked for his antics as Birkir Bjarnason went over

TV cameras picked up the Southampton star dragging his studs over the spot in an attempt to rough up the turf.

And – whether because of Ward-Prowse’s sly intervention or not – Iceland missed the penalty as Birkir Bjarnason sent Iceland’s spot-kick over the bar as he tried to find the top corner.

It ensured Joe Gomez was let off the hook just seconds after Raheem Sterling had rolled in a penalty of his own at the other end to put the Three Lions in front in their Nations League opener.

But Keane and Wright had differing views on the antics during the ITV coverage, with the Irishman labelling Ward-Prowse a cheat.

Uncompromising as ever, Keane simply said: “It’s cheating Wrighty, it’s cheating.

“That’s cheating and I don’t like to see it. Talk about the spirit of the game. “

Presenter Mark Pougatch highlighted the fact that if the referee spotted JWP’s gamesmanship, he would have booked him.

And Keane added: “It’s not allowed, it’s cheating.”

But a laughing Wright said: “I don’t mind that from an England player, a little bit of housery.

“What I like about Ward-Prowse is that he’s got that about him, he’s got that little devilment about him.

“Maybe [it is cheating] but to see an England player do it… if that happens in a competition and we get something from it I’m not going to complain.

“It happens. Cheating or not, it’s happened and that gets us to the next round maybe.”

Eagled-eyed Keane felt there was another reason behind Bjarnason’s miss – the midfielder being far too relaxed.

Footage from the tunnel ahead of kick-off showed the former Aston Villa man leaning against the wall as he waited to walk out.

Keane said: “I never fancied him with the penalty. I understand players being relaxed sometimes, but he’s almost too relaxed.

“He looks like he’s just waiting to go to the toilet or for a taxi.”