Dominik Szoboszlai sets record straight on Ireland controversy after pundit's X-rated blast

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Dominik Szoboszlai insits that his controversial celebration in Hungary's dramatic 3-2 loss against the Republic of Ireland on Sunday was NOT directed at Irish fans following a media frenzy.

The Liverpool midfielder was seen putting his hand up to his nose and wiggling his fingers about in the direction of the Hungary bench alongside his team-mates after Barnabas Varga restored the hosts' lead in a game with major World Cup qualification implications for both nations.

But it was Ireland, rather than Hungary, who kept their World Cup dreams alive courtesy of a dramatic late double from Troy Parrott, who plundered a historic hat-trick. The third of those goals sparked jubilant scenes for the Irish, with former Premier League striker Kevin Doyle appearing to take aim at the Liverpool star , allegedly saying: "Suck on that you Liverpool c***."

As the dust settles following the weekend, Szoboszlai has now broken his silence around the celebration, explaining it was merely an inside joke rather than anything more sinister.

"I'm not the type of person who would try to influence what people think about me," he told the Hungarian outlet, Blikk . "But to be perfectly clear, this is just a silly joke between me and my teammates in the national team, specifically with Andras Schafaer, Barnabas Varga and Peter Szappanos. There, I even gave you all the names.

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"This is an inside joke between the four of us and I fully stand by it. I would also tell you if it was meant for the Irish team and fans."

Szoboszlai was seen looking absolutely devastated at the final whistle after seeing Hungary's World Cup dream go up in smoke. The captain would take to social media soon after to issue an apology to the people of Hungary. He wrote: "It hurts. It hurts because we really wanted it!

"Not only for us but for you too. For you, who are always by our side and would accompany us to the end of the world .

"As Team Captain, I'm sorry I didn't make it this time... Very proud of all players, staff and coaches. I love being Hungarian, even when life tests me. Someday every detail will fall into place, that's why we work again and again. You are, what is mine.

"We owe you and us a World Cup! The work has begun again.

"I love you Hungary!"

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