Roy Keane reignites feud with Alf-Inge Haaland
Roy Keane has sparked fresh controversy by taking aim at Erling Haaland’s father, a quarter of a century after their infamous on-pitch confrontation. Speaking on the latest episode of the Stick to Football podcast, the former Manchester United captain suggested Alf-Inge Haaland would have collapsed to the ground had he received the same treatment his son did from Arsenal defender Gabriel during Manchester City’s recent showdown, reports BritPanorama.
“His dad would have gone down!” Keane remarked, reflecting on Gabriel’s headbutt on Erling during Manchester City’s recent 2-1 victory. Haaland junior has been widely praised for remaining upright despite the incident, which many observers viewed as a display of sportsmanship.
Gabriel received only a yellow card for the headbutt, while Haaland’s composure garnered commendations from fans and analysts alike. This exchange marks the latest chapter in a bitter rivalry that traces back nearly three decades.
In 2001, during a Manchester derby, Keane was sent off for a vicious challenge on Alf-Inge Haaland, an incident that effectively ended the Norwegian midfielder’s playing career. The tackle saw Keane drive his studs into Alf-Inge’s right knee, an act that drew significant scrutiny and led to a three-match suspension and a £5,000 fine from the Football Association.
Keane’s actions appeared to be a form of retribution for a previous encounter in 1997, where Alf-Inge accused him of feigning injury following a serious knee injury Keane had suffered. The animosity flared dramatically when Keane infamously shouted at Alf-Inge during the 2001 match, “Don’t ever stand over me again sneering about fake injuries.”
Keane later admitted in his autobiography that he intended to hurt Alf-Inge, revealing a deeper motivation behind the infamous tackle. This admission resulted in a further five-match ban and a £150,000 fine, adding to the legacy of his controversial career.
Despite the severity of the incident, Keane has consistently refused to express remorse for his actions on the pitch. His disdain for Alf-Inge has been repeated in comments about Erling Haaland as well, illustrating a lingering grudge. Recently, after Erling scored four goals against Wolves, Keane labelled him a “spoilt brat” over his reaction to being substituted, questioning the striker’s overall abilities aside from his prolific goal-scoring record.
As the rivalry persists, it serves as a reminder of how easily personal histories can intertwine with professional rivalries in football, illustrating the complex narratives that accompany the beautiful game.
