Players Who Will Be Remembered For The Wrong Reasons, Part 7
Roy Keane (continued): With the retirement of Eric Cantona Keane was the obvious choice as club captain, it was a role he handled really well. However, the career defining incident was not being awarded the captaincy of Manchester
United but by a revenge tackle that he is most remembered by. An attempted tackle on Leeds United player Alf-Inge Haland left Keane with a cruciate ligament injury, and while Keane was on the ground Haland stood over Keane and accused the Manchester United
captain of feigning injury. Keane was out for that season, and had to watch his side lose out the title to league rivals Arsenal.
It was suggested that Keane would not be as effective when he returned from injury, but he proved his critics wrong when he returned and led his side to their first treble; the FA Premier League, FA Cup and the UEFA Champions League. His most memorable performance
was against Juventus in the second leg of the semi final of the Champions League. It was because of him that United made a historic comeback, scoring 3 goals to win 3-2 and make it to the final. Keane led his side to the final, but could not participate because
of suspension. When United lifted the cup at Nou Camp Keane revealed he had mixed emotions, he said, “Although I was putting a brave face on it, this was just about the worst experience I'd had in football.”
His injury seemed to be forgotten, but three years later Keane had his revenge. The Irishman was sent off five minutes into the game against Leeds United for a knee high foul which was an obvious act of revenge. He received a three match ban and a £5,000
fine. That would have been the end of it, had it not been for Keane’s comments in his autobiography. He stated, “I'd waited long enough. I f****** hit him hard. The ball was there (I think). Take that you c***. And don't ever stand over me sneering about fake
injuries.”
He received a further five match ban and an increased fine of £150,000. The Irishman was undeterred, holding his claim that he was right to do what he had done. Another statement said, “My attitude was, f*** him. What goes around comes around. He got his
just rewards. He f***** me over and my attitude is an eye for an eye.” Roy Keane will be remembered as an exceptional footballer and the captain who led Manchester United to their first treble, but he’ll also always be remembered as the player who foiled the
beautiful game with revenge tackles and unnecessary personal fights.
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