For Erling Haaland, the game against Arsenal was a one-off case of a bad match. Yet, as a player who has broken the league’s goalscoring record and has played a crucial role in his side’s treble win. Haaland does have some credit in the bag. However, Roy Keane didn’t show any such respect and slammed the Norwegian’s display by calling it a ‘League Two player‘ performance. Keane’s former teammate and pundit Rio Ferdinand is surprised by the comments and has an interesting theory regarding the same. He said, “I think Roy Keane has got previous history with the family I can’t take too much of what he said!” What’s the previous story between Keane and Alfie Haaland? Let’s dive in.
Erling Haaland’s father Alfie was a soccer player as well and played in England between 1993 and 2003. However, it was the Manchester Derby in 2001 that significantly altered his playing career. Alfie unlike his son played as a right back or a midfielder. In the said match, the Norwegian clipped the ball away but received a brutal challenge regardless from Keane who steamed in. Keane was slapped with a 3-match ban and a fine of $6320 initially. For Alfie, the repercussions were much more serious.
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His legs were never the same again and he made just four substitute in the following season. Despite being contracted until 2004/5, there was a clause in his City contract that allowed for contract termination due to medical issues. Erling Haaland’s father exercised this option and retired in July 2003.
Meanwhile, Roy Keane didn’t move on from the incident. Nearly a year after the fated match, Keane released his autobiography in 2002. The book brought out some startling revelations regarding the clash as Keane mentioned that the tackle was premeditated! As such, he received a further 5-match ban and a fine of $189,570. Yet, why did Roy Keane have so much hatred for a fellow soccer player? The situation stems from 1997 when Erling Haaland’s father Alfie played for Leeds.
The moment Roy Keane plotted revenge against Erling Haaland’s dad Alfie
In September 1997, Manchester United played against Leeds. Roy Keane was making a darting run to the box but was brought down after contact with Alfie. Keane was on the ground and in pain. The Norwegian thought the midfielder was simulating an injury. As a result, Alfie approached Keane and shouted furiously. But, the reality was Keane’s injury was genuine and he ruptured his cruciate ligament. This would keep him out for the rest of the season!
Read More: Leeds-born Erling Haaland Explains Ignoring England NT Before Norway Debut – “It Would Be Difficult”
Moreover, Alfie Haaland and Manchester City had stated they were looking at taking legal action against Keane. However, after medical advice, it was decided not to. While Alfie’s promising career was cut short, his son Erling Haaland has been tearing apart the Premier League. Perhaps, that would have given him a sense of fulfilment, potentially more than having an extended career himself.
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Edited by
Sreeda U M