David Bernstein: I've never forgiven Roy Keane for 2001 Haaland tackle

‘It’s appalling that he’s accepted’: Roy Keane should be a PARIAH in football, says ex-FA chairman David Bernstein, as he says he can never ‘forgive him’ for his tackle on Alf Inge Haaland in 2001 when Man United captain said: ‘Take that you ****’

  • It is nearly 20 years since Roy Keane’s horrendous challenge on Alf Inge Haaland 
  • The Manchester United man put in a high tackle on the City player’s left knee 
  • Keane admitted he meant the challenge which ended the Norwegian’s career
  • Ex-City chief David Bernstein says Keane should not be involved in football

Former Manchester City and FA chairman David Bernstein claims it is ‘appalling’ that Roy Keane is still involved in football after his horror tackle on Alf Inge Haaland in 2001.

The ex-Manchester United captain put in a horrific high challenge on the City midfielder during an Old Trafford clash in 2001, which caused considerable damage to the Norwegian’s left knee which led to his retirement two years later. 

The horrific tackle was Keane’s revenge on Haaland after the Irish midfielder injured himself trying to trip up Haaland during in 1997 encounter between the Red Devils and Leeds, with the Norwegian accusing the now-Sky Sports pundit of feigning injury.

David Bernstein claims it is ‘appalling’ Roy Keane (middle) is involved in football after the 2001 challenge on Alf Inge Haaland in the Manchester Derby

Ex-City and FA chairman Bernstein claims it is the worst thing he has ever seen in football

Nearly two decades later, Bernstein – who was Manchester City chairman at the time – claims it is one of the worst moments he has seen in the game.

Recalling the horrific injury ahead of this weekend’s Manchester derby, Bernstein told The Athletic: ‘I’ve never forgotten it. From a personal point of view, that was the worst individual thing I’ve been directly involved in, and the worst I’ve ever seen on the pitch. 

‘As a human being, it was an awful thing to see. Roy Keane stood over him and basically said, “Take that, you b******.”

Keane would go on to admit he intended to inflict injury on Haaland – who never recovered

‘It was done in cold blood. I have never forgiven Keane for that. I think, frankly, it’s dreadful he’s accepted in football the way he is. After doing something like that, I think it’s absolutely appalling.

Keane was initially given a three-match suspension following an immediate red card along with a £5,000 fine from the FA – an organisation which Bernstein would go on to manage.

However, an extract from Keane’s 2002 autobiography led to even further punishment as the former United midfielder announced that he intended to harm the player.  

The extract read: ‘I’d waited long enough. I f****** hit him hard. The ball was there (I think). Take that you c***. And don’t ever stand over me sneering about fake injuries.’ 

Keane received an additional five-match ban and £150,000 fine after admitting he meant it

Keane was charged by the FA for bringing the game into disrepute and was banned for another five matches and fined an extra sum fo £150,000. 

Haaland, now the father of Borussia Dortmund star Erling Braut, never played a full match again while Keane has gone on to enjoy a full career in football. 

After the incident, the Irish international went on to win two more Premier League titles and one more FA Cup trophy with United as well as the Scottish Premier League and League Cup with Celtic in 2006. 

Bernstein claims he refuses to watch Keane (above) when he sees him on Sky TV punditry

He reached 67 caps for Ireland and went on to manage Sunderland and Ipswich, as well as hold assistant coaching roles for his national team, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest. 

Keane now works as a regular pundit on Sky Sports and Bernstein admits he cannot bear to watch the Irishman on the screen due to the 2001 Haaland incident.  

Bernstein added: ‘Whenever Keane turns up on television, I switch off. I just won’t watch it. I’m appalled that he’s still involved with football. It’s just not right. 

‘Things happen, injuries do happen, but to do it deliberately and admit it the way he did, to sell his book, I think is completely beyond the pale.’




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