New Film “Saipan” Reveals Roy Keane’s Explosive Fallout Ahead of World Cup

UPDATE: The highly anticipated film “Saipan” is set to screen at the Irish Film Festival London on November 15, 2023, revealing the shocking fallout between football icons Roy Keane and Mick McCarthy just days before the 2002 World Cup. This film is more than just a sports drama—it’s a deep dive into a pivotal moment in Irish history that continues to captivate audiences.

As Ireland prepared for the World Cup in Japan and South Korea, tension erupted within the team. Roy Keane infamously left the training camp on the small island of Saipan, leading to a media frenzy. Instead of training, the world watched as Keane walked his dog Triggs back home in Manchester, leaving fans and analysts alike in disbelief.

Director duo Glenn Leyburn and Lisa Barros D’Sa bring this dramatic chapter to life through the eyes of Éanna Hardwicke, who portrays Keane, and Steve Coogan, who plays McCarthy. The film explores not only the clash of these two men but also themes of national identity and masculinity that resonate far beyond the football pitch.

The film’s premiere at the Irish Film Festival London comes ahead of its wider release in cinemas across Ireland on January 1, 2024, and in the UK on January 23, 2024. Audiences are expected to be drawn in not just by football drama but by the universal themes that emerge from this narrative.

Leyburn and Barros D’Sa emphasize the importance of this story—it’s not just for football fans, but for anyone interested in the human condition. “We want it to be a story that football fans can enjoy but also that everyone can enjoy because the themes feel like they are universal,” Leyburn stated.

The notorious confrontation between Keane and McCarthy escalated dramatically, with Keane reportedly expressing his disdain for McCarthy both as a player and a person. Viewers will witness the emotional weight of this moment, as Keane’s frustrations boiled over in a tense press conference, leading to him leaving the squad.

The film also delves into the broader societal reactions at the time, highlighting how the incident became a national conversation beyond sports. “There were psychologists, business experts, and legal experts weighing in on the fallout,” Barros D’Sa noted, illustrating the widespread impact of the event on Irish culture.

In addition to exploring the iconic personalities involved, “Saipan” showcases a talented cast, including Jamie Beamish and Niall McNamee. The filmmakers have a track record of addressing significant themes through their storytelling, having previously worked on acclaimed projects like “Good Vibrations” and “Ordinary Love.”

As anticipation builds for the film’s premiere, the directors are eager to see how audiences will react, especially given the historical significance of the events depicted. “We’re looking forward to sharing it with Irish audiences,” Leyburn remarked, hinting at the emotional weight the story carries for many.

Fans and critics alike are already speculating about the film’s potential impact. This moment in Irish football history has yet to be forgotten, and “Saipan” aims to reignite that passion and interest.

With the film set to screen at 8:45 PM on November 15, those interested can use the code FRIEND for a 20% discount on tickets. For more information and to book, visit the Irish Film Festival London’s official website.

Stay tuned for more updates as “Saipan” prepares to take the screen and reignite discussions about one of football’s most infamous moments.