Roy Keane reveals what sparked confrontation with Ipswich fan that prompted Man Utd legend to say ‘I’ll see you in the car park’

Former Red Devils midfielder Keane was on punditry duty for Sky Sports at Portman Road on November 24 – for what was Ruben Amorim’s first game in charge of United. Keane previously took in a forgettable spell as Ipswich boss between 2009 and 2011.

One home supporter took to goading Keane from the stands, leading to the Irishman approaching the culprit during an advert break. The 53-year-old was heard telling the fan in question that he would see him outside afterwards if he wanted to take their heated exchange further.

Explaining what happened and why he was not looking for a fight, Keane has told the Stick To Footballpodcast from Sky Bet: “I wasn’t angry at the Ipswich Town game. What happens when we’re doing matches is and the analysis is happening at the end of the match when fans can be up or down, whatever emotions they are feeling – and people think they can abuse you, and it seems to be a, ‘We’re supposed to accept that’.

“I went over to him twice – I said, ‘No problem, if you want to abuse me or if you want a discussion with me, well I’m working’. I went over to him twice at different stages and he was swearing in front of kids. I said, ‘If you want to see me afterwards’ – and people thought I was asking him for a [fight] – I said, ‘I’ll see you in the car park’. Where else was I going to see him? He wasn’t there!”

Keane spent just one full season in charge of Ipswich, leading them to a 15th place finish in the Championship. He was sacked in January 2011 and has not returned to management since – with spells taken in as an assistant coach with the Republic of Ireland, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest.