On Thursday, once famous derby match will be played between Manchester United and Arsenal. During the first decade of the 21st century, those two teams fought regularly for the Premier League title and the tempers flared between coaches and players. But in 2005, two teams were fired up and ready to fight before the match, not after. Over the years, there were numerous explanations from various participants (Vieira and Keane included), but now, another witness appeared and he ‘admitted his crime’.For years, people believed that it was Vieira and Keane who actually started the quarrel between themselves, then it became obvious that Keane was defending Gary Neville but now Pires emerged out of nowhere. Arsenal legend Robert Pires has admitted he thinks he was to blame for the infamous tunnel bust-up between Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira.“Things started to get heated and I think it was because of me actually. Gary Neville arrived and barged into me. I reacted in French because I was annoyed. It starts kicking off and at that point, Patrick arrives. He said to him, ‘You speak too much, you. Shut up.’ At that moment, Keane arrives. And he goes, ‘You talk too much as well. I’ll see you on the pitch.’ It was dicey between the two of them, tense. That for me was one of the best moments” Pires told The Times.(2.10) Man.Utd. (3.50) Arsenal (3.80)This year, Keane, Vieira and Neville were all in the same studio for ITV’s Euro 2020 coverage on Wednesday evening and it meant a definitive version of the story could be told.”What started all this? Roy losing his temper!” Vieira joked and then explained:”It was challenging, very difficult, and Gary here, one of his strengths was intimidating players. At that time, I was getting frustrated at the number of fouls on our players. As the captain, I wanted to put him under a little bit of pressure” said the Frenchman.Good old derby days: Remember when sir Alex was struck by pizza?Gary Neville, off course had his own version:”So before we got in the tunnel to go out for the game, coming in for the warm-up, he’s chasing me up the tunnel screaming at me! So I go into the changing room and sit down next to Denis Irwin, saying ‘Vieira’s a bit annoyed, he’s just chased me up the tunnel. I sat next to Denis here and Roy was next to Denis, so Roy heard that” said Neville.Robert Pires: “I decided to leave Arsenal after Champions League final”But Roy Keane’s explanation was the best.”To be honest, I was trying to mind my own business. Honestly, I was just focused on the game, quite calm, getting in the zone. Gary was a little bit upset, he seemed a little bit worried. I told Gary to just forget about it and focus on the game. But of course, Patrick wouldn’t let it go. Typical Arsenal bully. Then he started again in the tunnel just before the game started and that’s when I got a little irritated” explained Keane. Nobody mentioned Pires.
