New Film Highlights 2002 World Cup Squabble Between Roy Keane and Mick McCarthy

A trailer has been released for a upcoming movie that chronicles the intense spat between Roy Keane and Mick McCarthy during the 2002 World Cup. Titled Saipan, the film features performances by Steve Coogan as McCarthy and Éanna Hardwick as Keane, with a short teaser offering a glimpse into the drama.

The story focuses on a fierce conflict that divided Irish football and remains one of the most infamous moments in sports history. During Ireland’s third-ever World Cup appearance, Keane was captain and a key player for Manchester United. However, tensions flared at the training camp in Saipan, just before Ireland’s group matches in Japan and South Korea.

Discontent grew when Keane, embittered by poor training facilities, announced his departure after just two days, citing disagreements with coaches and frustration over the conditions. Despite intervention from McCarthy, who persuaded him to stay, Keane later voiced his grievances to the Irish media, criticizing the team’s setup.

This led to a confrontation with McCarthy, who was outraged by the interview and confronted Keane publicly, resulting in a heated exchange filled with insults. McCarthy ultimately dismissed Keane from the squad, sending him home—a decision that sparked controversy across Ireland and remains a hotly debated topic.

The trailer hints at a tense portrayal of these events, depicting both figures with serious, angry expressions. It includes a snippet of their argument, where McCarthy declares, “Right, I think we’re done,” to which Keane retorts, “You never tell me we’re done, I’m just getting started.”

Coogan has mentioned speaking with McCarthy personally to portray him accurately, aiming for a balanced depiction of this notorious incident. Filming took place last year, and the movie is expected to premiere later this summer.

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The trailer for a new film called Saipan that documents Mick McCarthy and Roy Keane’s explosive and hugely controversial bust-up at the 2002 World Cup has dropped

Keane is played by Éanna Hardwick, giving a preview of the film’s portrayal of the incident

McCarthy, portrayed by Steve Coogan, reveals he spoke to the real McCarthy to prepare for the role