Roy Keane accuses Alf-Inge Haaland of drinking during World Cup matches

The long-standing feud between Roy Keane (54) and Alf-Inge Haaland (53), father of Norway striker Erling Haaland (25), has escalated once again. This time, the Ireland legend is levelling serious accusations.

Following Norway's heartbreaking 1-2 extra-time defeat to England in the World Cup quarterfinal, Papa Haaland sarcastically congratulated referee Clément Turpin on his performance via the social media platform X. Earlier, television cameras had captured him making obscene gestures toward England players and the referee from the VIP area.

Keane addressed these outbursts on "Stick to Football," a YouTube format where he discusses current football with Gary Neville (51) and Ian Wright (62).

Keane's Allegations

Keane stated verbatim:

"Will he even remember the game? He was obviously drinking alcohol during the matches – the dad."

He added:

"He drinks a bit – then you see the game with completely different eyes, of course."

These are serious alcohol accusations against the Norwegian. However, anyone familiar with the history between Keane and Papa Haaland will not be surprised. The two have harboured animosity toward each other for nearly 30 years.

A Long-Standing Rivalry

The trigger dates back to a match between Leeds and Manchester United in September 1997. Keane, then Manchester United captain, caught his foot in the turf during a running duel with Haaland in the penalty area and tore his cruciate ligament. Haaland, believing his opponent was attempting to win a penalty, leaned over him and screamed in his face. Keane was sidelined for months.

Keane took his revenge in April 2001 during the Manchester derby. After a pass from Haaland (then Manchester City captain), Keane kicked the Norwegian with a straight leg and open sole at knee height. The Irishman immediately leaned over the writhing Haaland and screamed hatefully in his face.

In his autobiography, Keane made no secret that the foul was intentional:

"I had waited long enough. I hit him fucking hard. Take that, you wanker. And never stand over me again and mock fake injuries."

When Keane discusses Erling Haaland today as a TV pundit, his tone is typically distant and cool. Following his latest statements about Papa Haaland, the relationship is unlikely to improve.