Roy Keane rivalry reignited as foe scolds Man Utd hero for 'shouting his mouth off'

Former Republic of Ireland star Jason McAteer has hit back at ex-teammate Roy Keane after their feisty feud was reignited earlier this week. The duo were often tasked with holding down the fort in midfield on international duty, but they never truly saw eye to eye when battling it out in the Premier League.

Keane’s dislike for McAteer became clear for all to see in 2002 when Manchester United took on Sunderland, which finished 1-1. Despite being an unremarkable game, the match is often remembered for Keane’s moment of madness which saw him given his marching orders for the third time in six months.

McAteer and Keane were tasked with marking one another for the entirety of the 90 minutes, and the rash nature of both players prompted tempers to flare on numerous occasions, before the latter eventually lost his cool in added time.

Whilst trying to retain possession under pressure from McAteer, the ex-Nottingham Forest star lashed out at his international teammate and struck him in the face with his elbow – leaving the referee with no choice but to give the United captain his marching orders.

Speaking on The Overlap about the incident, Keane said: “He deserved it. Just because you play with someone doesn't mean you're mates. Do you know what, he was one of these players who shouted their mouths off.

“I didn't mind lads kicking me or booting me, honestly, but McAteer as usual had plenty to say for himself. But even then, I didn't deserve to be sent off in that game, absolutely not. If you look back on it, I didn't even catch him.”

Following the comments, footage of Keane's comments on the red card were shared on social media along with footage of the incident – prompting McAteer to snap back with his own response.