MANCHESTER UNITED legend Roy Keane has been called a “clown” by former Republic of Ireland team-mate Jason Mcateer.
Mcateer threw his public swipe after Keane looked back at all of the ELEVEN times he was sent off throughout his glittering 17-year career.
And there was one memory which still harbours ill feelings from both sides.
United took on Mcateer’s Sunderland at the Stadium of Light back in 2002 shortly after the World Cup and the infamous Saipan incident.
Keane fell out with then Ireland manager Mick McCarthy and ended up having a public bust-up before the midfielder was sent home.
With tensions between the Red Devils icon and McAteer – who was also part of McCarthy’s squad – clearly still high, the pair were at each other’s throats all game.
Read More on Man Utd
The ex-Liverpool ace also famously made a “book-writing” gesture in order to goad the famous Premier League hardman over his tell-all autobiography the previous season.
Keane ended up seeing red once more during stoppage time when he elbowed Mcateer to the back of the head – something for which he insists he still doesn’t regret as he always hated played who “shout their mouths off”.
Keane told Sky Sports’ Stick to Football: “He deserved it. I wouldn’t go that far [calling Mcateer his team-mate].
“Just cause you play with somebody doesn’t mean that you are mates.
Most read in Football
“Do you know what, what used to get to me is players who shout their mouths off.
“I didn’t mind lads kicking me up [and] booting me, honestly. But Mcateer, as usual, had plenty to say for himself.
“I didn’t deserve to be sent off in that game, absolutely not. If you ever look back in it, I didn’t even catch him.”
Mcateer also appears to hold ill feelings regarding that incident after 21 years.
FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
The former midfielder insists that unlike Keane he still likes players that mouth off but finds it ironic that it’s now the United legend who does most of the talking as a pundit.
The former Bolton ace also agrees with the 52-year-old that they were never really team-mates as he “never showed up” and when he did “he went home”.
Mcateer tweeted: “Love it. Players shouting their mouths off!!!
“Funny You can’t shut the clown up now. And no we weren’t team -mates cause he never showed up and when he did he went home!!!! Please!!!!! Bore off.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
