What Ipswich fan said to Roy Keane to spark furious bust-up at Portman Road
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Roy Keane’s argument with an Ipswich Town fan stemmed from his time as the club’s manager as new details have come to light.
The Sky Sports pundit was caught on camera confronting a supporter at Portman Road on Sunday.
Following the Tractor Boys’ 1-1 draw with Manchester United, Keane left the broadcast desk to approach the stand.
He could then be seen going back and forth with a home fan and is understood to have responded to the abuse by inviting the supporter to continue their argument in the car park.
The Daily Mail now report that the altercation stems from Keane’s tenure as Ipswich boss between 2009 and 2011.
A witness claims the fan was angry with the Irishman for refusing to give his children an autograph and for being unpleasant when approached.
The witness told the Daily Mail: “The argument all stemmed from an issue with his children.
“The fan’s issue was about getting autographs back in the day when he was the manager here. The guy was basically saying Roy Keane ruled with fear.
“You could see him pointing to the car park because that is where the autographs were done, and that’s where he had the issue with Roy all those years ago. So, it makes sense they were pointing over there.”
As for Keane’s car park comment, the witness added: “What Roy said back could have been misconstrued.
“He might have wanted to talk in the car park as that’s where it all happened. It’s hard to tell. But yeah, he could have meant ‘I’ll talk to you in the car park,’ but it came across as if he was inviting him out [for a fight].”
The former midfielder replaced Jim Magilton as manager at Portman Road in April 2009 following his time in charge at Sunderland.
He went on to win 29 of his 81 matches during 21 months in the dugout.
Keane’s only full season in charge of the club saw Ipswich finish 15th in the Championship in 2010.
However, he left the role in January of the following year with his side 18th and just five points above the relegation zone.
The role remains Keane’s last as a manager, although he has since been an assistant for the Republic of Ireland, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest.
