Before the Saturday match between Leicester and Arsenal, Martin Keown took the opportunity to reach out to his old rival, Ruud van Nistelrooy, and offer a long-overdue apology for his actions in the infamous ‘Battle of Old Trafford’ from 2003.
The two former Premier League stars, who once shared fierce competition on the pitch, found themselves reconnecting after more than 20 years.
The ‘Battle of Old Trafford’ Incident
The infamous clash between Arsenal and Manchester United in September 2003, often remembered as the ‘Battle of Old Trafford’, has been a defining moment for both players.
Arsenal were on an unbeaten run, sitting second in the Premier League, while United, just behind them, were determined to bring them down.
The tensions reached a boiling point when Keown fouled Diego Forlan, leading to a last-minute penalty for United.
When Van Nistelrooy missed the penalty, Keown infamously jumped in his face and mocked him.
That moment, marked by Keown’s taunting and physical altercation with Van Nistelrooy, has remained in the memories of football fans for two decades.
Despite the hostility between the two teams, the situation seemed to have simmered down as both players approached each other for reconciliation.
A Humble Apology
Ahead of the Leicester-Arsenal game, the two rivals exchanged pleasantries on live television.
Van Nistelrooy extended his hand, smiling, and greeted Keown, who, with a smile, apologized for the chaos from that fateful day.
“Apologies for all of the shenanigans that went on back in the day,” Keown said, showing a rare moment of humility.
Van Nistelrooy, taking the high road, responded with his usual calm, emphasizing that what happened on the pitch stayed there.
“It was a good rivalry, wasn’t it?” he said, acknowledging the fierce competition they had back in their playing days.
Playful Jabs and Old Rivalry
While the handshake was genuine, the old competitive spirit was still evident in their conversation.
Keown joked about Van Nistelrooy’s tendency to stamp on him during matches, to which the Leicester boss replied with a laugh, “I would like to block you out as well and then fall over.”
Their exchange was lighthearted, but it was clear that both men had moved past the intense rivalry, even while recalling the highs and lows of their playing days.
The Unfolding Drama at Old Trafford
The drama of the ‘Battle of Old Trafford’ started long before the final whistle.
Van Nistelrooy had already clashed with Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira earlier in the game, leading to Vieira’s red card.
That altercation added fuel to the fire, as Arsenal players, including Keown, believed that Van Nistelrooy had exaggerated the contact, sparking frustration among the Gunners.
After the missed penalty, Keown and several of his teammates, including Lauren, Ray Parlour, and Kolo Toure, surrounded the Dutchman and taunted him.
Keown, in the heat of the moment, even appeared to strike Van Nistelrooy in the back.
Despite the taunts and physical confrontation, Van Nistelrooy remained calm and walked away without reacting, but tensions continued to rise between the two sides.
Fallout and Consequences
The altercation led to serious repercussions for the players involved.
Keown was handed a three-match ban and fined £20,000 for his actions.
Several other Arsenal players, including Lauren and Parlour, also faced bans and fines.
For United, Ryan Giggs and Cristiano Ronaldo received fines for their involvement.
Even Arsenal as a club faced a £175,000 fine for failing to control their players during the altercation.
Despite the chaos, Arsenal went on to win the Premier League title that season, completing their historic ‘Invincibles’ campaign, while Manchester United’s season faltered.
Van Nistelrooy’s Transition to Management
Fast-forwarding to today, Van Nistelrooy has shifted from his playing days to managing Leicester, where he’s now focused on securing survival in the Premier League.
Currently fighting to keep his team out of the relegation zone, a win over Arsenal on Saturday could be crucial for their survival hopes.
The stakes are high for Van Nistelrooy, but his journey from the golden days of Manchester United to navigating a battle for survival in the top flight reflects the highs and lows of his football career.
Closing the Chapter: Rivalry Behind Them
While the fiery rivalry from their playing days may never be completely forgotten, the handshake between Keown and Van Nistelrooy marked the closing of a chapter in their long history of on-field clashes.
Both men seem content to leave the past where it belongs—on the pitch—and move forward with mutual respect and understanding.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn