+18 or +21, depending on state | Commercial Content | T&C's Apply | Play Responsibly | Publishing Principles
This page contains affiliate links. When you purchase through the links provided, we may earn a commission.
Presented byModeloDrink responsibly. Modelo Especial® Beer. Imported by Crown Imports, Chicago, IL For 21+
Patrick Vieira Gary Neville Ruud van Nistelrooy Arsenal Manchester UnitedGetty

'I couldn't stand you!' - Patrick Vieira explains infamous Arsenal-Man Utd tunnel ruckus with Roy Keane as Gunners legend aims brutal dig at Gary Neville

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

  • Vieira brutally puts down Neville
  • Pair clashed in Highbury tunnel in 2005
  • Roy Keane stood up for Neville
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    In 2004, Vieira and Neville were involved in an infamous spat that led to Roy Keane defending his team-mate, and almost coming to blows with the Frenchman in the tight Highbury tunnel. Now, in an interview with Neville, Keane, Jamie Carragher, and Ian Wright, Vieira has explained the incident and revealed his long-held hatred of the former United ace.

  • Advertisement
  • Dennis Bergkamp Robert Pires Patrick Vieira Ashley Cole ArsenalGetty

    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    In the 2005 game, after the clash, United went on to win 4-2, and Vieira has now explained where the argument started. The former France international claims he was simply defending Robert Pires, whom he believed would be targeted by Neville during the game.

  • WHAT VIEIRA SAID

    Speaking on the Stick To Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet, Vieira explained: "Because of the nine years I spent there, I didn't like you at all."

    Jamie Carragher then asked: "Man United or Gary Neville?!"

    To laughter from the panel, Vieira replied: "Gary Neville!"

    While Neville brushed it off, Keane shook the hand of the World Cup winner, as he continued: "No but it's true, honestly, I couldn't stand you because you were just kicking everybody and especially Robert (Pires) when he was there... And in that game, I was just like, I have to make you aware that today, you're not going to touch Robert because I knew that was the plan for you because you struggled against Robert."

    He concluded by claiming: "You were over the top against Robert."

  • ENJOYED THIS STORY?

    Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

  • Patrick Vieira Arsenal 2004Getty

    WHAT NEXT?

    Vieira and Neville appear to have patched things up, and both will be excited to see whether their former international teams can go all the way at Euro 2024. France and England are on the same side of the draw, and could potentially play each other in a knockout fixture.