If you’re a fan of football drama, there’s a new film on the horizon that’s bound to grab your attention.
It dives deep into the fiery clash between Mick McCarthy and Roy Keane during the 2002 World Cup — a moment that not only shook the Irish team but divided the whole nation.
Meet Saipan: The Story Behind the Fallout
The film, titled Saipan, features Steve Coogan stepping into the shoes of McCarthy, while Éanna Hardwicke plays Keane.
Just recently, the trailer dropped — a quick but gripping 76 seconds that tease the intense showdown and what promises to be a powerful retelling of this historic episode.
Setting the Scene: Ireland’s 2002 World Cup Campaign
Back in 2002, the Republic of Ireland was making its third and, so far, final World Cup appearance.
Roy Keane, the team captain and Manchester United midfielder at the time, had been instrumental in getting Ireland to the tournament.
But things quickly took a turn for the worse when the squad arrived in Saipan — their training base ahead of the games in Japan and South Korea.
The Controversy That Shook the Squad
Keane was furious with the poor training facilities and, after just two days, declared he was quitting the team.
His frustration wasn’t just with the setup but also with some coaching staff, leading to a series of tense exchanges.
Though McCarthy initially persuaded Keane to stay, the midfielder later aired his grievances publicly in an interview with the Irish Times, outlining exactly why he wanted to leave.
The Explosive Confrontation That Changed Everything
McCarthy was far from pleased by Keane’s public criticisms.
What followed was a heated confrontation between the two in front of the entire squad and coaching team — an argument so intense that it ended with McCarthy sending Keane home from the World Cup.
The fallout was huge, sparking debate across Ireland that still resonates today.
What the Trailer Reveals
The Saipan trailer gives us a glimpse of this tense atmosphere.
Scenes are set on the island itself, located far east from Ireland, with media snippets playing in the background reflecting the nationwide debate on who was right or wrong.
The mood is tense, underscored by dramatic music as both McCarthy and Keane are shown looking serious and frustrated.
One powerful moment captures their clash: McCarthy says, “Right, I think we’re done,” to which Keane fires back angrily, “You never tell me we’re done, I’m just getting started…”
It’s clear this film won’t shy away from the raw emotions that defined that period.
Behind the Scenes: Steve Coogan’s Take
Steve Coogan, who plays McCarthy, has spoken about his approach to the role.
Earlier this year, on The Late Late Show, he revealed he spoke directly with McCarthy to ensure the story would be portrayed fairly.
Coogan emphasized wanting to present a balanced view of such a complex and sensitive episode.
When Can We Watch It?
Filming wrapped up last year, and fans are eagerly awaiting Saipan’s release, expected sometime this summer.
Given the emotional weight of the story and the talent involved, it looks set to be a compelling watch for anyone interested in football, Irish history, or human drama.