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Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane is to be the subject of a new film based on his infamous exit from the 2002 World Cup finals.
As reported by The BBC, the cast list for ‘Saipan’, has been announced with a star studded line-up heading the roles.
BAFTA nominated and fellow Cork born actor Éanna Hardwicke will play the part of Keane, with two-time Oscar nominee Steve Coogan playing the then Ireland manager, Mick McCarthy.
The biopic is set to focus on Keane and McCarthy’s fall-out that eventually led to the United man dramatically withdrawing from the Ireland squad.
Events leading up to the regrettable crescendo will be covered with filming set to get under way this summer.
The movie will be shot in locations in Ireland and Saipan where tension between the pair reached boiling point and resulted in Keane flying back to his hometown.
The United legend expressed his unhappiness with the standard of facilities provided by the FAI (Football Association of Ireland) as the team prepped for the tournament, with McCarthy then questioning Keane’s commitment to his country.
Keane took exception to the accusation, biting back at his manager which then left pair’s the relationship beyond repair.
With neither willing to back down it was Keane who flew back before a ball was kicked and Ireland were left to face the tournament without their talismanic captain.
McCarthy’s men made it through the group stages before being knocked out in the round-of-16 on penalties by Spain.
Keane didn’t play for his country again until 2024 after McCarthy was relieved of his duties.
No official date release date has been announced but given the media frenzy the incident caused at the time, it will surely be a must watch for any Keane or Ireland fan.
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