Roy Keane has finally spoken out about what really happened when he confronted a fan after Manchester United's 1-1 draw at Ipswich last month.
The former United captain was at Portman Road to cover the match for Sky Sports as the Red Devils took on Ipswich, who he managed between 2009 and 2011.
During a commercial break, a home fan started goading Keane from the pitch, leading to the Irishman approaching him as the pair exchanged words.
Keane was heard telling the fan to wait for him in the car park to discuss matters further as things threatened to get heated. However, the 53-year-old has insisted there was never any danger of him losing his cool, as he revealed the man didn't show up afterward.
Speaking on the Stick To Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet, Keane said: 'I wasn't angry at the Ipswich Town game.
“What happens when we play matches is and the analysis happens at the end of the match, when fans can be up or down, whatever emotions they're feeling – and people think they can abuse you, and it seems like a,” We have to accept that'.
'I went to him twice – I said, “No problem, if you want to abuse me or have a conversation with me, I'm at work.” I went to him twice at different stages and he swore in front of children.
“I said, 'If you want to see me next,' and people thought I was asking him a question.” [fight] – I said, “I'll see you in the parking lot.” Where else was I supposed to see him? He wasn't there!'
Footage of the animated exchange went viral and showed other supporters joining the man in insulting Keane, with one fan heard shouting: 'F*** you, Keane!'
It appears they took out their anger on Keane after his difficult 21-month spell in charge of the club, which ended almost fourteen years ago.
In his only full season on the sidelines, Keane could only guide Ipswich to 15th in the Championship.
He was subsequently sacked in January 2011 after a poor first half of the season, and has not had a job in club management since.
Keane had fellow pundit Jamie Redknapp nearby when he confronted the fan, with security and Redknapp trying to ensure the altercation did not get out of hand.
It is understood Sky viewed footage of the incident before deciding not to take action against Keane.
He then took his place in the Sky Sports studio the following weekend for Manchester City's trip to Anfield to take on Liverpool.
Keane's row with the fan wasn't the only unusual incident to take place following the Ipswich-United stalemate.
That was also Ruben Amorim's first game as United boss, and he spoke to Sky Sports on the pitch after the match.
However, his interview was interrupted by pop star Ed Sheeran joining the Sky crew to embrace Redknapp.
Sheeran, a huge Ipswich fan, later took to Instagram to apologize as he insisted he was unaware Amorim was being interviewed.
He admitted he felt 'a bit stupid' for stealing Amorim's thunder, but the Portuguese manager later played down the misunderstanding as 'nothing'.
Roy Keane was speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet
Comments