Additional Coverage:
- Ex-Ireland boss Mick McCarthy reignites Roy Keane feud and storms out of Saipan film after 20 minutes (irishstar.com)
The Saipan Showdown: 24 Years Later, Irish Football Feud Reignites with New Film
It’s been 24 years, but the infamous “Saipan saga” continues to loom large in the minds of Irish football fans, and now, a new film has stirred the pot all over again. The legendary fallout between manager Mick McCarthy and star player Roy Keane, which erupted mere days before the 2002 World Cup, has been re-examined on the big screen, much to the chagrin of at least one of its key figures.
The new movie, aptly titled “Saipan,” stars Éanna Hardwicke as Keane and Steve Coogan as McCarthy, dramatizing the heated confrontation that led to Keane’s early exit from the tournament. While the film has garnered reasonably positive critical reviews, particularly for its performances, many close to the events have expressed concern over the “extensive creative liberties” taken by the filmmakers.
But perhaps no one is more vocal about these perceived inaccuracies than Mick McCarthy himself. At a recent gathering, the former manager unleashed a scathing critique of the film, revealing he could only stomach 20 minutes before turning it off.
McCarthy didn’t mince words, declaring the film “a heap of s—” and pointing out several major gripes. For starters, he took issue with the depiction of Steve Coogan (who plays him) as significantly shorter than Éanna Hardwicke (as Keane). “He’s about 5ft 8in, Steve Coogan, and in the film Roy towers above him for f— sake,” McCarthy exclaimed.
His biggest beef, however, was with his own characterization. “It depicts me as an easy-going, northern numpty who was there for a f—ing good time and not to win, and I wasn’t competitive,” he fumed.
“If anyone wants to come and f—ing tell me that, I’ll have a fight with him on the f—ing stage.” He also challenged the film’s portrayal of the Irish squad as merely a group of lads focused on drinking rather than serious competition.
Unsurprisingly, McCarthy’s fiery comments, particularly his challenge to “have a fight,” sparked a fresh wave of social media commentary. Many couldn’t help but draw parallels to the 2002 incident, where the debate raged over whether Keane walked out or or was sent home.
“He didn’t walk out he was sent home,” remarked one Facebook user, while another observed, “History repeating itself.” A third chimed in with a sarcastic “Like you walked out on your best player in 2002.
TREND.” One user offered a more nuanced take: “He walked out first then turned up for a meeting then was sent home.”
Despite enjoying a highly successful managerial career spanning multiple clubs over the past three decades, McCarthy admits the shadow of Saipan still follows him. “What’s it been, 24 years? And I still keep getting asked about it,” he mused.
Concluding his thoughts, McCarthy couldn’t resist one final, characteristic jab at his old rival. Recounting a Q&A session where he was asked about Keane, he recalled saying, “You know, he’s a fabulous player, great captain, captain of his club and everywhere he’s been and what he’s done is fantastic.”
Then, with a twinkle, he added, “I said ‘great goalscorer’ – and everybody’s looking at me – and I said, ‘I’m talking about Robbie, not that other c—.'” He quickly added, “Excuse that language!”
It seems the Saipan saga, much like a stubborn stain, just won’t fade away.