Jason McAteer has revealed that his 20-year feud with Roy Keane was brought to an end by a kind gesture from the former Manchester United midfielder. The pair's relationship had been frosty since Keane's infamous clash with Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy at the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea, an episode known as the 'Saipan incident'.
Breakfast that ended the feud
McAteer, a former Liverpool and Sunderland midfielder, said Keane recently paid for his breakfast during a chance meeting at a local cafe, which broke the ice between them. Speaking to 10Bet, McAteer explained: "We actually patched things up because we live locally and keep bumping into each other. He paid for my breakfast once as a nice gesture, which broke the ice. We've had a few good conversations since, and I honestly wish him all the best."
McAteer added: "Honestly, we've both moved on. We're older, wiser, and far more forgiving now. That feud was a long time ago when we were both fierce competitors doing whatever we could to wind each other up on the pitch."
From on-pitch clash to olive branch
The feud escalated months after the World Cup when Keane and McAteer faced each other in a Premier League match between Sunderland and Manchester United. During the game, the pair traded barbs, and Keane was sent off after elbowing McAteer. McAteer also made a 'book-writing' gesture, referencing Keane's autobiography released the previous season.
Asked if he had read Keane's 2022 autobiography, McAteer told 10Bet: "I didn't even start it! I went straight to the index at the back, flipped to where my name was mentioned, read that one paragraph, and closed it."
Respect and reconciliation
McAteer spoke warmly of Keane's abilities, saying: "I've always had massive respect for Roy as a player. Just yesterday, I was out for lunch with [former Liverpool players] John Aldridge, John Barnes, Sammy Lee, and Bruce Grobbelaar, and his name came up. I still think Bryan Robson is the greatest Manchester United midfielder of all time, but Roy is a very close second."
Speaking on The Late Late Show earlier this year, McAteer described how he tried to reconnect with Keane after the breakfast gesture. He said: "I just thought, 'We've wasted 20 years', and he's gone and bought me breakfast 20 years later, what a time to do it." He then contacted Jamie Carragher, who works with Keane on the Stick to Football podcast, to ask for Keane's number so he could say thank you. An hour later, Carragher rang back and said: "Roy appreciates the thank you, but you're not having his phone number."
Talking to Four Four Two in April 2025, McAteer reflected on Keane's character: "As a player, Roy was absolutely sensational. As a person, he's very complex. There are two sides to him."
