Roy Keane Criticises Newcastle’s William Osula Over Michael Jackson Celebration After West Ham Brace

Newcastle United forward William Osula found himself at the centre of a post-match debate on May 17, 2026, after combining a match-winning brace with a theatrical goal celebration that divided opinion during a Premier League clash against West Ham United at St. James’ Park.

The 22-year-old striker, who is eligible to represent both Denmark and Nigeria at international level, opened his account in the 19th minute before adding a second in the 65th, taking his Premier League tally for the season to seven goals. Newcastle ran out 3-1 winners, a result that significantly worsened West Ham’s already precarious relegation survival prospects.

Osula’s second goal prompted an elaborate celebration beside the corner flag in which he wore a sparkly white glove and performed a choreographed sequence featuring Michael Jackson’s iconic leg kick. According to reports, the routine was a deliberate reference to social media comparisons made between Osula’s afro hairstyle and a young Michael Jackson — comments that surfaced following his Newcastle Player of the Month award for April.

The display delighted the home support at St. James’ Park, but former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane, speaking as a television pundit during the half-time interval, was unequivocal in his assessment. “He can move, the kid, but time and a place,” Keane said. “He can do that in a nightclub tonight in Newcastle.”

Keane’s critique centred on the perceived lack of professionalism in Osula’s conduct, a recurring theme in the pundit’s commentary throughout his broadcasting career. Despite the sharp rebuke, Osula’s contribution to the result was difficult to dispute — his brace effectively settled the contest and underlined the form he has shown under Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe in recent weeks.

Osula, who came through the academy system at Sheffield United before joining Newcastle, has emerged as one of the more productive young forwards in the Premier League this season. His seven-goal return places him among the more consistent strikers in the division, and his performances have fuelled ongoing speculation regarding a potential call-up to either the Danish national setup or the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

For West Ham, the defeat deepened an already serious situation near the foot of the Premier League table, with the club’s survival hopes now hanging by a thread as the season approaches its conclusion. The result at St. James’ Park represented another damaging setback for a side that has struggled for consistency throughout the campaign.

Osula’s celebration and Keane’s response are likely to remain a talking point heading into the final weeks of the Premier League season, particularly as attention turns to whether the Newcastle striker’s international eligibility — and his current run of form — attracts formal interest from the Nigeria Football Federation ahead of forthcoming fixtures.