Revealed: What the disgruntled Ipswich fan was really arguing with Roy Keane about… as an insider opens up on the pitch-side clash

The details behind Roy Keane‘s heated exchange with an Ipswich Town supporter have come to light, with the disgruntled fan lashing out at the former Manchester United captain over an unpleasant past encounter. 

According to a nearby witness, the irate fan was furious with Keane for previously refusing to give his children an autograph and for being unpleasant when approached during his time as Ipswich manager.

The confrontation unfolded after Sunday’s Premier League clash between Ipswich and Manchester United at Portman Road. Mail Sport reported that Keane responded to the fan’s verbal abuse by inviting him to continue their argument in the car park.

Neil Finbow, who witnessed the altercation from the pitchside barrier, shed light on exactly what transpired between Keane and the supporter during an exclusive interview.

He explained that the fan had voiced his frustration over Keane’s behaviour towards his children years ago, alleging that Keane had been rude and denied them autographs during his managerial tenure.

Speaking to Mail Sport, Finbow said: ‘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. 

According to a nearby witness (pictured in the blue jacket on the right), the irate fan (pictured in the black jacket with fur hood) was furious with Keane for previously refusing to give his children an autograph and for being unpleasant 

‘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.’

Finbow noted that Keane’s comments might have been misinterpreted: ‘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].’

Jamie Redknapp, who was nearby, briefly intervened during the incident. Finbow clarified Redknapp’s role, saying: ‘He didn’t really step in. He was just sort of talking to Roy from behind. I can’t remember him coming in and pulling him away. Roy was sort of pointing in this guy’s face.’

Finbow also expressed surprise at the lack of security during the confrontation: ‘There was no security or anything, which I was surprised about. Roy was directing his comments towards the fan who had the big issue because of his kids. There were a few choice words said about that.’

He added that Keane’s repeated comments stood out: ‘There was eye contact with that guy in the middle [and Keane], but then he just came over and said, ‘I’ll see you in the car park, outside in the car park, I’ll see you in the car park.’ That’s all he kept saying.’

Reflecting on the situation, Finbow admitted he was shocked by Keane’s decision to engage with the fan: ‘We were surprised he came over because you’ve got a lot of ex-players and managers that come down here. They all get stick, but I was as shocked as anybody when Roy came over.’

Asked about what followed, Finbow described the scene: ‘We were told just to move on by the stewards. I moved on with my mum—she can hardly walk up the steps—so I helped her up and went outside with my boy. We just left. Let them [the pundits] continue with their interviews, and we went home.’

Finbow emphasised that he was not the one heckling Keane: ‘I never get personal with anyone. I never do that. I’m down there with my mum. She’s 83 years old. My boy and I have been going since he was five. He’s 21 now. We always clap the players off the pitch, hence why I was down at the front. The only comment I made to him was, ‘You’re a better pundit than you were a manager.”

Keane holds a tense relationship with many Ipswich fans after his managerial spell at the club

The Manchester United legend joined Ipswich in 2009 and was later sacked in January 2011

Keane’s tumultuous relationship with Ipswich Town fans stems from his stint as the club’s manager between 2009 and 2011. 

During his tenure, Keane managed 81 games, winning 28, losing 28, and drawing 25. His side dropped as low as 21st in the Championship standings before he was sacked in January 2011. 

Reflecting on his time at Ipswich, Keane has previously admitted that his ongoing feud with sections of the fanbase served as motivation during his time in charge.