'Roy Keane can't be taken seriously when he's got a beard like Saddam Hussein', says Alf-Inge Haaland
Keane's infamous tackle on Haaland has been brought up again following the release of a new book from the former Manchester United captain
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Alf-Inge Haaland, the victim of a dreadful challenge by Roy Keane in 2001, has compared the former Manchester United captain's beard to that of Saddam Hussein.
Haaland made the comment on Twitter in reaction to extracts from Keane's latest autobiography, The Second Half.
The book was accidentally put on sale by a Tesco store yesterday and within Keane says of the tackle: "There are things I regret in my life and he (Haaland) is not one of them."
In his first book, Keane's words were construed as meaning his tackle on the Manchester City defender was pre-meditated. The FA were among those who thought so and banned him for five matches and issued a fine of £150,000.
After the quotes emerged on Monday, Egil Ostenstad contacted his fellow ex-Norway international Haaland on Twitter, writing: "Alfie. R Keane is at it again. Could we have a Twitter response mate?"
Haaland replied by writing "can't take a man seriously when he's got a beard like...", with the message being accompanied by a picture of former Iraq dictator Hussein. The post was subsequently deleted.
Keane, who is now working as assistant at both Aston Villa and the Republic of Ireland, has been allowing his greying beard to grow considerably long in recent weeks.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments