Roy Keane has addressed a fiery confrontation with an Ipswich Town supporter following Manchester United’s 1-1 draw at Portman Road last month, clarifying he had no intention of engaging in a physical altercation.
The incident unfolded after the match as Keane stood pitchside alongside his Sky Sports colleagues during a broadcast break. Keane approached a group of Ipswich fans in the lower stands who had directed abuse at him.
In a video captured by another fan, Keane was heard saying to one individual, “Wait in the car park, we can have a discussion. I’ll wait for you there.”
A security staff member quickly intervened, guiding Keane back to the Sky Sports team, which included presenter Kelly Cates and pundits Izzy Christiansen and Jamie Redknapp.
Redknapp, visibly concerned, spoke with the same fan after Keane was led away. Meanwhile, another security official urged the group of fans to “calm down.”
The incident was later discussed on The Overlap, where Ian Wright expressed his disapproval. However, Keane dismissed accusations that he was seeking a fight.
“I wasn’t angry,” Keane explained. “I went over twice. Fans sometimes believe they can hurl abuse, and we’re expected to just accept it. I approached him and said, ‘If you want to talk, I’m working, but we can chat later.’ I mentioned the car park simply because where else would I meet him?”
Keane added that his intentions were misunderstood. “People assumed I was challenging him to a fight. I’m 53, with five kids and two grandkids. I was calm, not angry. The fan didn’t even show up in the car park.”
Reflecting on public misinterpretations, Keane recalled a similar incident at Arsenal last year where he was assaulted. “Thankfully, the judge saw through the nonsense. This situation was no different—I was calm and composed.”
Keane reiterated his stance on the matter, pointing out the challenges of handling abuse while maintaining professionalism during live broadcasts.