The details behind Roy Keane’s heated exchange with an Ipswich Town supporter have emerged, with the disgruntled fan lashing out at the former Manchester United captain over an unpleasant past encounter.
According to a close witness, the furious fan was furious with Keane for previously refusing to give his children an autograph and for being unpleasant when approached during his time as Ipswich manager.
The clash unfolded after Sunday’s Premier League clash between Ipswich and Manchester United at Portman Road. Mail Sport reported that Keane responded to the fan’s verbal abuse by inviting him to continue their argument in the car park.
Neil Finbow, who witnessed the altercation from the pitch barrier, shed light on exactly what happened between Keane and the fan during an exclusive interview.
He explained that the fan had expressed frustration with Keane’s behavior toward his children years ago, alleging that Keane had been rude and denied them autographs during his tenure as manager.
Speaking to Mail Sport, Finbow said: “The whole argument stemmed from a problem with their children.” The fan’s problem was getting autographs at the time when he was the manager here. The guy was basically saying that Roy Keane ruled by fear.
The details behind Roy Keane’s heated exchange with an Ipswich Town supporter have emerged, with the disgruntled fan lashing out over an unpleasant past encounter.
According to a nearby witness (pictured in the blue jacket on the right), the angry fan (pictured in the black jacket with fur hood) was furious with Keane for previously refusing to give his children an autograph and for being disgusting.
“You could see him pointing at the parking lot because that’s where the autographs were done, and that’s where he had the problem with Roy all those years ago. So it makes sense that they were pointing that way.”
Finbow noted that Keane’s comments could have been misinterpreted: “What Roy said could have been misinterpreted. He might have wanted to talk in the parking lot, because that’s where it all happened. It’s hard to say. But yeah, he might have wanted to. ‘I’ll say ‘I’ll talk to you in the parking lot,’ but it seemed like I was inviting him out (to fight).’
Jamie Redknapp, who was nearby, briefly intervened during the incident. Finbow clarified Redknapp’s role, saying: “He didn’t really intervene. He was just talking to Roy from behind. I don’t remember him going in and pulling him away. Roy was kind of aiming at this guy’s face.
Finbow also expressed surprise at the lack of security during the confrontation: ‘There was no security or anything, which surprised me. Roy was directing his comments towards the fan who was in big trouble because of his children. A few choice words were said about it.
He added that Keane’s repeated comments stood out: “There was eye contact with that guy in the middle (and with Keane), but then he just walked up and said, ‘I’ll meet you in the parking lot, outside in the parking lot.” , I’ll see you in the parking lot. That’s all he kept saying.
Reflecting on the situation, Finbow admitted he was surprised by Keane’s decision to interact with the fan: “We were surprised he came because there are a lot of former players and coaches who come here. Everyone gets nervous, but I was as surprised as everyone else. when Roy arrived.
When asked about what followed, Finbow described the scene: “The stewards told us to move on. I continued on with my mother (she can barely walk up the stairs), so I helped her up and left with my son. We just left. We let (the experts) continue with their interviews and we went home.’
Finbow emphasized that he was not the one who interrupted Keane: “I never get personal with anyone. I never do that. I’m down there with my mom. She’s 83 years old. My son and I have been going since he was five. He’s 21 now. We always applaud the players off the field, that’s why I was in front. The only comment I made to him was: “You’re a better expert than a manager.”
Keane maintains a strained relationship with many Ipswich fans following his time as manager at the club.
The Manchester United legend joined Ipswich in 2009 and was then sacked in January 2011.
Keane’s tumultuous relationship with Ipswich Town fans stems from his time as manager of the club between 2009 and 2011.
During his tenure, Keane managed 81 games, winning 28, losing 28 and drawing 25. His team fell to 21st in the championship standings before being sacked in January 2011.
Reflecting on his time at Ipswich, Keane previously admitted that his ongoing feud with sections of the fan base served as motivation during his time in charge.