Sad news: Derby sack Richard Keogh a month after being injured in car crash
Derby County has officially terminated the contract of club captain Richard Keogh, just weeks after he suffered a serious knee injury in a car crash that involved two of his teammates. The decision has sparked widespread debate within the football community and raised questions about player responsibility and club loyalty.
Keogh, who had been with the Rams since 2012 and made over 350 appearances, sustained significant ligament damage in the incident, which occurred following a team bonding event in late September. While the 33-year-old defender was a passenger in the vehicle, Derby County has taken a firm stance, citing gross misconduct as the reason for his dismissal.
The car crash, which made headlines at the time, involved fellow Derby players Tom Lawrence and Mason Bennett, both of whom were later charged with drink-driving offenses. Keogh was not driving, but his involvement in the night’s events and the resulting injury—expected to sideline him for up to 15 months—led the club to review his conduct under their internal disciplinary procedures.
In a statement, the club said:
*”Derby County Football Club has terminated the contract of Richard Keogh with immediate effect following a disciplinary process. This decision was not taken lightly, but the club believes it is in the best interests of everyone involved.”*
The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) has expressed concern over the dismissal and is expected to support Keogh should he pursue legal action. A PFA representative commented, “Richard has given a huge part of his career to Derby County. To be dismissed while recovering from a career-threatening injury feels incredibly harsh, especially when others involved in the incident remain with the club.”
Fans have also taken to social media to express a mixture of shock, sadness, and frustration. Many feel the club should have handled the matter with more compassion given Keogh’s long service and leadership. Others, however, believe the decision reflects a commitment to discipline and accountability.
This latest development adds to an already turbulent season for Derby County, who have faced criticism not only for the off-field behavior of some players but also for inconsistent performances on the pitch. Manager Phillip Cocu, still early in his tenure, now faces the challenge of rebuilding team morale amid the fallout.
Keogh himself has yet to speak publicly about his dismissal, but sources close to the player suggest he was devastated by the decision. Despite the setback, there is hope that he will recover fully and continue his career elsewhere once fit.
While the club insists it followed procedure, the handling of this incident will likely remain a point of controversy for some time. Whether this marks the end of Keogh’s playing days or simply a new chapter remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—his exit from Derby County is as dramatic as his time there was dedicated.
