It’s one of those moments in football history that fans never stop talking about—and now, it’s getting the full film treatment.
The dramatic and fiery clash between Roy Keane and Mick McCarthy at the 2002 World Cup has been turned into a movie called Saipan, and the trailer just dropped.
A Trailer Packed with Tension and Big Performances
The teaser for Saipan is only 76 seconds long, but it packs in a lot of drama.
Starring Steve Coogan as Ireland manager Mick McCarthy and Éanna Hardwicke as Manchester United legend Roy Keane, the film promises to dive deep into one of Ireland’s most divisive sporting scandals.
With dramatic background music and soundbites from media reports of the time, the trailer instantly captures the chaos and emotion of the event.
Both actors are seen brooding, frustrated, and intense—setting the tone for what looks to be a gripping retelling.
A Fallout That Split a Nation
The story goes back to Ireland’s 2002 World Cup preparations in Japan and South Korea.
At the time, Keane was the team captain and a driving force in helping them qualify.
But things went south quickly at their pre-tournament camp on the island of Saipan.
Keane was furious over the poor training facilities and clashed with coaching staff, including Packie Bonner and Alan Kelly Jr. After just two days, he announced he was leaving the squad and heading back to Manchester.
From Dispute to Detonation
McCarthy initially convinced Keane to stay, but things took another turn when Keane gave a blunt interview to the Irish Times, slamming the conditions and sharing details about what led him to walk away.
That public airing of grievances was the final straw for McCarthy.
In a confrontation that took place in front of the entire team and coaching staff, McCarthy and Keane exchanged heated words.
The shouting match ended with McCarthy sending Keane home from the World Cup—a decision that sent shockwaves through Irish football and divided fans for years.
A Balanced Retelling from Both Perspectives
The film Saipan doesn’t appear to take sides, which was a priority for Coogan.
Speaking earlier this year on The Late Late Show, the actor shared that he spoke directly to McCarthy before taking the role.
“I wanted to make sure it was a balanced depiction of that sort of fallout,” he explained.
The goal, it seems, is to give viewers a fair portrayal of both men’s perspectives, showing just how personal, professional, and emotional the situation was.
“I’m Just Getting Started”
One standout moment in the trailer features a snippet of the actual confrontation.
When McCarthy says, “Right, I think we’re done,” Keane fires back with, “You never tell me we’re done, I’m just getting started…” It’s a line that perfectly captures the intensity and stubbornness both men were known for.
Coming This Summer—And Likely to Spark New Debates
Filming wrapped last year, and the movie is expected to be released sometime this summer.
For fans who remember the 2002 World Cup vividly—and for those who’ve only heard the debates since—it’s bound to reopen old conversations.
Whether you still side with Keane’s no-nonsense standards or McCarthy’s leadership under pressure, Saipan promises to explore every layer of one of football’s most unforgettable fallouts.