Former Manchester United midfield general Roy Keane has shown support for under-fire referees by hitting out at the "conmen" and "cheaters" in the English game.

Keane, who is now manager at Championship side Sunderland, was never one to back away from arguing with referees during his time as a no-nonsense midfielder at Old Trafford.

The performances of some referees have came under the spotlight this week after a number of controversial decisions by top official Graham Poll in games involving Chelsea and Everton.

Yet Keane feels referees are not being helped by the players and is particularly concerned by the recent number of diving incidents in the Premiership.

The 35-year-old said: "Players are conning each other, there's a lot of sneaky stuff going on and I'm glad I'm not playing.

"There were lads I played with who went down like they'd been shot, and it drove me crazy. I'd pull my hair out.

"We all know the players and I wouldn't give them the time of day. I can't get my head round a player who rolls round then he's up 30 seconds later. I'd be embarrassed.

"It's cheating and if I'd done that my family would disown me. Referees are scrutinised left, right and centre and the players aren't helping them."

Keane's comments may come as a surprise, particularly to those who remember his outburst at Andy D'Urso in a United match against Middlesbrough seven years ago.

But Keane said of that incident: "I wouldn't say I'm embarrassed by that, but it's hard to make excuses. I was 100 percent wrong.

"I still think the veins were superimposed by a bit of camera trickery. Mr D'Urso was the middle man in the (Arsene) Wenger and (Alan) Pardew incident and my heart went out to him, it always seems to be him."