McAteer tells 'clown' Keane to 'BORE OFF' following the pair's bitter rivalry

Jason McAteer has responded to Roy Keane's comments regarding their bitter rivalry after the former Man United midfielder was sent off for elbowing him.

Speaking to Gary Neville, Ian Wright and Jill Scott on The Overlap, Keane was asked about the infamous red card he received during the Red Devils' 1-1 draw with Sunderland in 2002.

The 52-year-old stated: 'He deserved it', before going on to say 'I wouldn't go that far' in response to a question about them being team-mates for the Republic of Ireland.

'Just because you play with someone doesn't mean you're mates. Do you know what, he was one of these players who shout their mouths off,' Keane said.

'I didn't mind lads kicking me or booting me, honestly, but McAteer as usual had plenty to say for himself.

'But even then, I didn't deserve to be sent off in that game, absolutely not. If you look back on it, I didn't even catch him.'

Responding to Roy's comments, McAteer - also 52 - tweeted on X: 'Love it. Players shouting their mouths off !!! Funny You can't shut the clown up now.

'And no we weren't team-mates cause he never showed up and when he did he went home !!!! Please !!!!! Bore off.'

Just months before the pair went at each other for 90 minutes, Keane dramatically left the Irish World Cup training camp before the tournament in the infamous Saipan incident.

The Sky Sports pundit was unhappy with the conditions of the Irish camp, travel arrangements and their food.

He also said he had 'no regrets' over leaving despite people questioning his commitment because he had 'no respect' for manager Mick McCarthy who was 'in bed with the Irish media'.

McAteer, who has played for Bolton, Liverpool and Blackburn Rovers, earned 52 caps for his country, scoring three goals.