Alf-Inge Haaland reignites feud with Roy Keane after World Cup exit
Alf-Inge Haaland has reignited his long-running feud with Roy Keane after responding to the former Manchester United captain’s latest comments following Norway’s World Cup exit, reports BritPanorama.
Norway’s hopes of reaching the World Cup semi-finals ended after a defeat to England, managed by Thomas Tuchel, with controversy surrounding a disallowed goal following a VAR intervention. French referee Clement Turpin ruled out what would have been Norway’s second goal after Erling Haaland was deemed to have fouled Elliot Anderson in the build-up.
England later proceeded to win the match, thanks to a brilliant double from Jude Bellingham. Following the match, Alf-Inge claimed that the officials had played a decisive role in the outcome, posting a message on X congratulating “Bellingham and the referee” before later deleting the post. His comments drew a response from Keane during an appearance on Stick to Football.
The ex-Republic of Ireland international suggested that Alf-Inge’s assessment of the match might have been influenced by alcohol. “He always seems to be drinking alcohol at the matches,” Keane remarked, adding, “If you’re having a drink then you’re seeing the game differently.”
The exchange unfolded on social media, where Alf-Inge reacted to Keane’s remarks, stating, “Once a p***k always a p***k.” This incident marks the latest chapter in one of football’s longest-running personal rivalries, which began in 1997 when Keane suffered a serious knee injury during a challenge involving Alf-Inge, leading to speculation about the latter’s actions on the pitch.
Relations further deteriorated in 2001 when Keane was sent off for a high tackle on Alf-Inge during a Manchester derby, an incident the former United captain later admitted had been motivated by revenge. Despite the latest insults exchanged, Keane argued that Norway had little reason to blame the officials for their elimination. “Listen, I’ll always be trying to go the other way (against England) a little bit, if it’s 50-50, but the push is a push and then he heads it, so there you go,” Keane stated.
Gary Neville also backed the officials, while Ian Wright suggested that Alf-Inge’s original post was an emotional reaction to Norway’s defeat. England now prepares to face Argentina in the semi-finals of the tournament on Wednesday at 8pm, marking a crucial moment in their World Cup campaign.
As the tournament progresses, it serves as a reminder of how deeply personal rivalries can intersect with national pride, reflecting the complicated relationships that exist in competitive football.
