Mick McCarthy expresses disdain for Roy Keane and a new film about their feud
Mick McCarthy has made it clear that nearly 24 years on, there’s absolutely no love lost between him and Roy Keane, reports BritPanorama.
At an event hosted by The Sun in Ireland this week, the 67-year-old former Republic of Ireland manager launched into a vehement tirade against his old adversary and the recently released film about their infamous fallout.
During a Q&A session, McCarthy referred to Keane in unflattering terms, implying a clever misdirection when he initially praised a “great goalscorer” before clarifying, “I’m talking about Robbie [Keane], not that other c***.” He dismissed the film, titled Saipan, as “a heap of s***.”
The original conflict between the two men traces back to the Republic of Ireland’s pre-World Cup training camp in Saipan in 2002, which was marred by poor conditions, including a squad lacking footballs to train with. Keane, then 30 and at the peak of his powers as Manchester United captain, was vocally critical of McCarthy’s management during this chaotic time, leading to a dramatic bust-up and Keane’s early departure from the tournament.
The rift between McCarthy and Keane has remained unresolved over the years. Following the premiere of the Saipan film, which debuted in Ireland late last year before reaching UK cinemas in early 2026, McCarthy expressed dissatisfaction with how he was portrayed, particularly regarding the height difference depicted between himself and Keane in their confrontations.
“He’s about 5ft 8in, Steve Coogan, and in the film Roy towers above him for f***’s sake,” McCarthy lamented. He also refuted reports suggesting he had coached Coogan for the role, insisting he had only spoken with the actor briefly.
The aftermath of the infamous feud was brought back into public discourse with the film’s release. British editorial comment has noted Eanna Hardwicke’s chilling portrayal of Keane, as critics have described the film’s take on the tension between the two football figures.
Meanwhile, McCarthy, whose last managerial role was at Blackpool in 2023, has stepped back from the spotlight. As the narrative surrounding their feud continues to evolve through popular media, it serves as a grim reminder of how lingering conflicts can capture public intrigue, revealing the complexities of personal and professional insecurities within football’s storied history.
