Top Five: Roy Keane blow-ups

Top Five: Roy Keane blow-ups

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With age, Roy Keane has mellowed to the point that he no longer physically harms those who annoy him.

However, the Irishman’s career is littered with incidents of the ‘red mist’ seemingly taking over, lauded as iconic moments and showings of complete petulance in equal measure.

Here are Keane’s top ‘blow-up’ moments from his illustrious playing days, ranked from five to one.

5. St James’ Park sending off – September 15, 2001

After a bit of handbags with Alan Shearer, the Irishman squared up to the Newcastle striker, and swung a right arm in full view of the referee who expectedly brandished a red card..

According to Shearer, Keane waited in the players tunnel after the match with the intention of starting a fight, but the issue was quelled by members of both teams.

Despite working together as pundits in recent years, the pair maintain a strong dislike for one another.

4. Keane leaves his mark on Gareth Southgate – April 12, 1995

Like Shearer, Southgate and Keane would become colleagues in the years following their respective retirements, but this incident was particularly nasty at the time.

Crystal Palace defender Darren Patterson was sent off for his part the melee that erupted following Keane’s stamp. United went on to win the game 2-0, but lost the final to Everton at Wembley thanks to a goal from Paul Rideout.

3. Keane slaughters team-mates in interview – October 29, 2005 (No video)

Following a crushing 4-1 loss to Middlesbrough, the midfielder took part in an MUTV segment titled “Roy Keane Plays the Pundit”, in which he heavily criticised his team-mates.

It was the final straw with Sir Alex Ferguson, who saw their relationship deteriorate in the final years of his career, and Keane never played for the club again.

At the time, the Irishman said: “I am sick of having to say it and they are sick of listening to me. They have let down the club, the manager, and the fans.”

Manchester United have deleted any footage of the incident, but English media obtained details of the interview after the news broke.

Keane on Rio Ferdinand: “Just because you are paid £120,000 a week and play well for 20 minutes against Tottenham you think you are a superstar.”

On Darren Fletcher: “I can’t understand why people in Scotland rave about Darren Fletcher.”

2. Highbury tunnel incident – February 1, 2005

One of the all-time great Premier League moments. Before a key clash against Arsenal at Highbury, Gunners captain Patrick Vieira reportedly ‘stood over’ Gary Neville, much to the displeasure of Keane who berated the Frenchman in full view of television cameras. Riveting viewing.

The visitors ran out 4-2 winners with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring twice to end Arsenal’s long unbeaten home record. Keane was immense throughout, winning the battle with Vieira both on and off the pitch.

1. Alf Inge Haaland leg-breaker – April 21, 2001

Do not accuse Roy Keane of feigning injury. He’ll never forget it.

In September 1997 with United travelling to face Leeds United at Elland Road, Keane was accused by midfielder Alf Inge Haaland of going down on purpose to escape punishment following an innocuous coming-together. Keane ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament and was ruled out of action for a year, but Haaland is seen verbally abusing the Irishman while he lay prone on the turf.

Nearly four years later, with Haaland lining up for Manchester City, Keane unleashed one of the most brutal tackles ever caught on camera in an apparent ‘payback’ attack.

Years later, the former United skipper later admitted to pre-meditating the tackle in his book, and was subsequently fined and suspended by the FA.

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