Rabiu AminuRoy Keane Blasts Sunderland’s Enzo Le Fee After Dismal Brentford DefeatIn a scathing post-match analysis on Sky Sports, Manchester United legend and former Sunderland manager Roy Keane didn’t hold back in his criticism of Sunderland midfielder Enzo Le Fee following the Black Cats’ humiliating 3-0 defeat to Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium. The Premier League clash on January 7, 2026, saw Sunderland crumble in the second half, with Igor Thiago netting a brace and Yehor Yarmoliuk adding a third, propelling Brentford up to fifth in the table while leaving Sunderland languishing in mid-table obscurity.
Keane, known for his no-nonsense punditry, zeroed in on Le Fee’s catastrophic penalty miss in the first half, which came when the score was still 0-0 and Sunderland had a golden opportunity to take the lead. “That was embarrassing,” Keane fumed. “You’ve got a chance to change the game, to put your team ahead against a side like Brentford who are flying high. And what does he do? Chips it weakly straight at the keeper like he’s playing in a Sunday league kickabout. It’s poor, it’s lazy, and it shows a lack of bottle. If you’re a professional footballer at this level, you don’t miss like that. It’s unforgivable.”
The Irishman’s tirade didn’t stop there. He highlighted Le Fee’s overall performance, accusing the French midfielder of being “absent” throughout the match. “He was meant to be the creative spark, the one pulling the strings in midfield, but he was nowhere. Lost possession too many times, no urgency, no fight. Sunderland needed leaders out there, and he looked like he was hiding. I’ve managed at Sunderland—I know what the fans expect. They deserve better than that kind of display.”
Fans on social media echoed Keane’s sentiments, with Sunderland supporters venting their frustration online. On X (formerly Twitter), user @SAFCFanatic posted: “Keane’s spot on. Le Fee’s penalty was a joke—cost us the game. He’s been off form for weeks. Time to bench him!” Another fan, @BlackCatRant, added: “Absolutely agree with Roy. Le Fee was shocking today. No passion, no effort. Brentford ran rings around us because of players like him slacking off.” A poll on a popular Sunderland fan forum showed over 70% of respondents agreeing with Keane’s assessment, with many calling for Le Fee to be dropped for the next fixture.
The defeat marked Sunderland’s third loss in five games, raising questions about manager Keith Andrews’ tactics. Brentford, under Thomas Frank, capitalized on Sunderland’s defensive frailties, with Thiago’s clinical finishing exposing gaps in the backline. Players like Trai Hume and Omar Alderete also drew ire from fans for sloppy passing and poor positioning, but Le Fee bore the brunt of the backlash.
Keane, who led Sunderland to promotion in 2007 during his managerial stint, urged the current squad to show more grit. “This club has history, passionate fans who turn up week in, week out. Performances like that disrespect them. Sort it out, or you’ll be fighting relegation come spring.”
As Sunderland prepares for their next clash, the pressure is on Le Fee to respond. With fans and pundits united in their displeasure, the midfielder’s future at the Stadium of Light could hinge on turning things around quickly.
Rabiu Aminu
