david_smith
Roy Keane says he “hasn’t lost a wink of sleep” over his actions in Saipan.
The Republic of Ireland assistant manager has also claimed that he felt Mick McCarthy’s accusations at the now infamous team meeting were “lies”.
“I was disappointed it happened, the way in panned out,” Keane said on ITV’s World Cup podcast, which he appeared on alongside Martin O’Neill.
“I know there are two sides to every story. There was a lot of talk when we got over there about the facilities. That was well documented.
“I was disappointed at no bibs, balls, cones and it really irritated me because if it happened to Brazil or Germany there would have been uproar.
“But for some reason, because it was Ireland, it was like a laugh and a joke. I had enough years of laughing and joking. I felt at the time we had to give ourselves the best opportunity.”
Speaking about his altercation with McCarthy at the team meeting, Keane claimed he had to fight his corner, and would “do the same tomorrow”.
“Later on into the week, the night before we were due to leave Saipan, there was a bit of a team meeting,” he continued.
“I was confronted by the manager and I stood up and had to fight my corner. I would do it again tomorrow.
“I’ve always said I’ve never lost a wink of sleep over how I reacted to the accusations that were made against me.
“I’d love to have played in another World Cup, of course I would have, that’s what the game is all about. But it wasn’t to be. I look back and don’t regret any of my actions. That’s the way it goes.”
Keane says he was angry and disappointed by McCarthy’s accusations, and claims he was accused of faking an injury.
The former Manchester United midfielder also said that he played “far too many games” while injured, and said those accusations were always going to result in fireworks.
“What made me angry and disappointed is when you get accused of something by your manager in front of a group of players, you’re going to react.
“I reacted. As a senior player and captain, I felt they were lies. I was accused of faking an injury and not being available for a match when I was injured.
“It was a really strange time to bring it up and it wasn’t true. If you make those kind of accusations against me, have a guess what is going to happen. Like a lot of players, I played far too many games when I was injured.
“To have that thrown at me was really strange. The timing of it and in front of a group of players…let me tell you, you are going to get fireworks. I would expect that from any player, particular a senior player. There you go.”
Keane said he might have returned to the camp if he had received an apology.
“If there was an apology, possibly I would have gone back,” he said.
“It’s alright me sitting here [saying this now]. If you spoke to Mick or some of the other staff, they might have another side of it. I know it takes two to tango. But that’s what happened.”
