Keane’s beef with Jason McAteer continues more than two decades after the original incident.
Former Ireland international Jason McAteer has hit back at Roy Keane for his comment on a red card that he received in 2002.
Keane was notorious for his passionate playing style and aggressiveness on the pitch. During his career, the Manchester United legend received 13 red cards, averaging a red card for every 52 games.
Speaking in a recent episode of the Stick to Football podcast, Keane remembered his red card against Sunderland in 2002. Following an altercation with his Ireland teammate James McAteer, the United captain was sent off by the referee.
“Just because you play with someone doesn’t mean you’re mates,” Keane said, before adding: “I didn’t deserve to be sent off in that game, absolutely not. If you look back on it, I didn’t even catch him.”
McAteer was quick to respond, writing on his X (Twitter) account: “Love it. Players shouting their mouths off!!!
“Funny you can’t shut the clown up now. And no we weren’t teammates cause he never showed up and when he did he went home!!!! Please!!!!! Bore off.”
McAteer’s “teammate” dig at Keane is probably a reference to his infamous departure from Ireland’s squad before the 2002 World Cup.
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