Steve Coogan is set to star in a new movie about the epic bust-up Roy Keane and Mick McCarthy endured at the 2002 World Cup in Saipan.
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Midfielder spoke out against coachesEnded up leaving squad & heading homeStory now set to be told on big screenWHAT HAPPENED?
The Republic of Ireland camp was thrown into chaos during the FIFA showpiece in Japan and South Korea. Keane was, as captain of his country and Premier League giants Manchester United, still a talismanic presence at the peak of his powers.
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The combative midfielder was, however, always famed for his relentless pursuit of perfection – with the same standards demanded of those around him. He was involved in a training ground dispute with manager McCarthy, with questions being asked of conditions, strategy, travel arrangements and coaching.
THE GOSSIP
Keane also conducted an interview in which he criticised his boss, leading to a final falling out that resulted in the United star telling McCarthy and Co to “stick your World Cup up your arse!”. He subsequently left the Ireland squad and returned home.
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The story of the now infamous “Saipan Incident” is set to be told on screen, with claiming that two-time Oscar nominee Coogan is lined up to play the role of McCarthy. Eanna Hardwicke will channel his inner Keane, with the film to be directed by Glenn Leyburn and Lisa Barros D’Sa as shooting starts this summer.