The bitter feud between football hardman Roy Keane and the Haaland family spans nearly three decades, creating one of the most intense personal rivalries in Premier League history. What began with a career-threatening injury in 1997 has evolved into a modern-day conflict that now involves one of football's biggest stars.
The Origins: A Career-Threatening Injury
The rivalry ignited in September 1997 during a fiery encounter between Leeds United and Manchester United. Keane, then United's captain, attempted to challenge Alf-Inge Haaland but instead suffered a devastating injury, rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament.
As Keane lay in agony on the pitch, Haaland stood over him and reportedly accused the Irish midfielder of feigning injury. This moment would burn into Keane's memory throughout his long recovery from the serious knee injury that kept him out for the remainder of the 1997-98 season.
Keane later admitted that he never forgot this incident and harboured intense feelings of retribution against the Norwegian player. He felt deeply insulted that Haaland had questioned his integrity during what was clearly a career-threatening situation.
The Infamous Revenge Tackle
Four years of pent-up frustration culminated in one of the most notorious moments in Manchester derby history. In April 2001, with Haaland now playing for Manchester City, Keane delivered his long-awaited response.
Just before the final whistle, Keane launched into a savage, knee-high tackle on Haaland's right leg. The challenge was so brutal that referee David Elleray immediately showed Keane the red card.
As he walked off the pitch, Keane stood over the fallen Haaland and delivered his now-infamous retort: "Take that, you c***. And don't ever stand over me again sneering about fake injuries."
The confrontation didn't end there. In his 2002 autobiography, Keane confessed that the tackle was premeditated, writing: "I'd waited long enough. I f***** hit him hard." This honest admission would cost him dearly.
Lasting Consequences and Modern Echoes
The Football Association took a dim view of Keane's published confession. His initial three-match ban and £5,000 fine were dramatically increased to an additional five-match suspension and a staggering £150,000 fine.
Alf-Inge Haaland maintained that he never played a full 90-minute match again after the infamous tackle, eventually retiring in 2003. He claims the challenge effectively ended his career, though it's worth noting he had pre-existing issues with his left knee, while Keane's tackle targeted his right.
Keane has since attempted to clarify his intentions, insisting he meant to "hurt" Haaland rather than deliberately injure him. He pointed out that Haaland actually finished the match and played for Norway just days later.
The feud has taken on a new dimension in recent years, with Keane now working as a television pundit and regularly commenting on the performances of Haaland's son, Erling. Following Manchester City's 0-0 draw with Arsenal in 2024, Keane delivered a brutal assessment of the younger Haaland's abilities.
"In front of goal he's the best in the world, but his general play for such a player - it is so poor," Keane told Sky Sports. "He's almost like a League Two player - that's the way I look at him."
This modern continuation of the family feud demonstrates how football rivalries can span generations, proving that some conflicts never truly end, they just find new battlegrounds.
