Steve Coogan is set to portray Mick McCarthy in an upcoming film detailing the explosive clash between the Republic of Ireland manager and Roy Keane ahead of the 2002 World Cup. Titled “Saipan,” the film, which is expected to be released next summer, takes its name from the Pacific island where the team was training for the tournament hosted by Japan and South Korea. McCarthy explained that he sent Keane home due to the midfielder’s “disruptive influence.”
The role of Keane will be played by Éanna Hardwicke, a Cork native and Bafta nominee. Coogan has Irish roots, with his mother born in Ireland and his paternal great-grandparents having emigrated from Ireland to England. Notably, Keane hails from Cork as well.
Keane’s departure followed his harsh critique of the training facilities and methods, culminating in a notorious remark directed at McCarthy: “You can stick your World Cup up your arse.” In response, McCarthy remarked: “I cannot and will not tolerate being spoken to with that level of abuse, so I sent him home.”
Producers Macdara Kelleher and John Keville stated: “Countless words have been penned about that pivotal week in 2002 on the small island of Saipan. Next year, audiences will finally witness the intensity of the conflict between Roy Keane and Mick McCarthy, which has been deemed ‘the worst preparation for a World Cup campaign.’”
