Man Utd legend Roy Keane challenged to a boxing match by ex-teammate to end 21-year rivalry
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Roy Keane challenged to a boxing fight || Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd, ITV, BeinSports and Imago

Man Utd legend Roy Keane challenged to a boxing match by ex-teammate to end 21-year rivalry

Stephen Oladehinde 20:03 - 20.11.2023

Former teammate Jason McAteer has challenged Man United legend Roy Keane to a boxing match after years of feud.

The two have a long-standing rivalry that goes back to their playing days, but Keane's remarks last week sparked it to resurface.

Last week, Keane spoke about an elbow and denied the incident should have resulted in a red card.

He then accused his former Republic of Ireland teammate of shouting and yelling about the whole incident.

Man United legend Roy Keane || Credit: Imago
Man United legend Roy Keane || Credit: Imago

The Boxing challenge 

Roy Keane’s comment about McAteer has caused the Irish man to ask for a boxing contest with the Man United legend.

He said on beIN Sports, as reported by the Sun, "Yeah [I'm tired of it]. I'd rather he came in here now, and we just go, let bygones be bygones. Let's just be civil.

"Or we can get in the ring for £1 million each and fight it out! Eddie [Hearn], if you're watching. Eddie Hearn, get him on the phone.

Keane's elbowed Jason McAteer || credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Keane's elbowed Jason McAteer || credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

"Roy, come on. You're better than that. And I promise to stop reacting."

The latest verbal spat began when Roy Keane asserted that McAteer was entitled to the elbow.

He said, "He deserved it. I wouldn't go that far [calling Mcateer his team-mate]. Just cause you play with somebody doesn't mean that you are mates.

Jason McAteer angered by Roy Keane's elbow on him || Credit: ITV
Jason McAteer angered by Roy Keane's elbow on him || Credit: ITV

"Do you know what, what used to get to me is players who shout their mouths off. I didn't mind lads kicking me up [and] booting me, honestly. But Mcateer, as usual, had plenty to say for himself.

"I didn't deserve to be sent off in that game, absolutely not. If you ever look back in it, I didn't even catch him."

Mcateer, who still seemed to be upset about the incident from 21 years ago, retaliated against the Sky Sports star by pointing out how ironic it was that Keane was now a paid speaker.

Jason McAteer, ex-Sunderland player || Credit: beIN Sports
Jason McAteer, ex-Sunderland player || Credit: beIN Sports

McAteer tweeted: "Love it. Players shouting their mouths off!!! Funny You can’t shut the clown up now. And no we weren’t teammates cause he never showed up and when he did he went home!!!! Please!!!!! Bore off."

One of the Manchester United legend's eleven career red cards came from elbowing McAteer during a game in August 2002 between United and Sunderland.

Meanwhile, the Man United legend Roy Keane was recently headbutted by a fan after the Red Devil's clash against Arsenal.