IRELAND INTERNATIONAL Sammie Szmodics has hit out “keyboard warriors” and addressed recent criticism aimed at him in an Instagram post tonight.
The Ipswich star recently received flak after pulling out of back-to-back international windows.
In September, after playing against Hungary, Szmodics withdrew from the Ireland squad ahead of the game with Armenia, but played 27 minutes off the bench three days later, as Ipswich beat Sheffield United.
In October, the attacker withdrew from Ireland’s squad for fixtures against Portugal and Armenia, before three days after the latter game, starting his side’s Championship match against Middlesbrough.
The situation led to some criticism of Szmodics.
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Speaking on the RTÉ Soccer podcast, former Shamrock Rovers goalkeeper Barry Murphy suggested Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson should be “cutting ties” with Szmodics and shouldn’t call up the player again.
Szmodics was also subjected to a backlash on social media as a result of these developments, which he has now responded to after his latest injury issues.
“On the mend after a minor knee op. Thank you for all the supportive messages,” Szmodics wrote on Instagram today.
“Also, thank you for the keyboard warriors that know more about my life and my situation than I do.
“The last two weeks have been nothing shy of ridiculous the amount of hate messages me and my family have received over the recent international football concerns.
“Injury comes with playing games and rest is so important otherwise things like this happen. Question my ability and performance but never question my professionalism.
“Looking to be back ASAP. I will be making no more comment on the matter.”
Meanwhile, the 30-year-old has pledged to be “back in no time” after undergoing surgery.
Szmodics gave a thumbs up as he posted a photo on Instagram on Wednesday morning with the caption: “Operation all done. Back in no time.”
He was forced off with a knee injury after just 21 minutes of Ipswich Town’s 1-0 Championship win over West Brom last weekend, with manager Kieran McKenna issuing an uncertain prognosis in the immediate aftermath of the game.
The 30-year-old was already a major doubt for Ireland’s final World Cup qualification double-header next month, with Hallgrimsson due to name his squad on 6 November ahead of the games with Portugal and Hungary.
Szmodics, who has also been plagued by recurring ankle issues which needed surgery earlier this year, has only featured in one of Ireland’s eight games so far in 2025.
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Ireland international Sammie Szmodics hits out at 'keyboard warriors'
Updated at 23.05
IRELAND INTERNATIONAL Sammie Szmodics has hit out “keyboard warriors” and addressed recent criticism aimed at him in an Instagram post tonight.
The Ipswich star recently received flak after pulling out of back-to-back international windows.
In September, after playing against Hungary, Szmodics withdrew from the Ireland squad ahead of the game with Armenia, but played 27 minutes off the bench three days later, as Ipswich beat Sheffield United.
In October, the attacker withdrew from Ireland’s squad for fixtures against Portugal and Armenia, before three days after the latter game, starting his side’s Championship match against Middlesbrough.
The situation led to some criticism of Szmodics.
Speaking on the RTÉ Soccer podcast, former Shamrock Rovers goalkeeper Barry Murphy suggested Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson should be “cutting ties” with Szmodics and shouldn’t call up the player again.
Szmodics was also subjected to a backlash on social media as a result of these developments, which he has now responded to after his latest injury issues.
“On the mend after a minor knee op. Thank you for all the supportive messages,” Szmodics wrote on Instagram today.
“Also, thank you for the keyboard warriors that know more about my life and my situation than I do.
“The last two weeks have been nothing shy of ridiculous the amount of hate messages me and my family have received over the recent international football concerns.
“Injury comes with playing games and rest is so important otherwise things like this happen. Question my ability and performance but never question my professionalism.
“Looking to be back ASAP. I will be making no more comment on the matter.”
Meanwhile, the 30-year-old has pledged to be “back in no time” after undergoing surgery.
Szmodics gave a thumbs up as he posted a photo on Instagram on Wednesday morning with the caption: “Operation all done. Back in no time.”
He was forced off with a knee injury after just 21 minutes of Ipswich Town’s 1-0 Championship win over West Brom last weekend, with manager Kieran McKenna issuing an uncertain prognosis in the immediate aftermath of the game.
The 30-year-old was already a major doubt for Ireland’s final World Cup qualification double-header next month, with Hallgrimsson due to name his squad on 6 November ahead of the games with Portugal and Hungary.
Szmodics, who has also been plagued by recurring ankle issues which needed surgery earlier this year, has only featured in one of Ireland’s eight games so far in 2025.
Additional reporting by Paul Fennessy
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