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Roy Keane considered retiring after being sent off for trying to punch Alan Shearer in 2001... and reveals his only regret was not landing the blow properly

Roy Keane almost considered retirement after being sent off for Manchester United in an ebullient Premier League clash against Newcastle in September 2001.

With United trailing 4-3 at St. James' Park, a visibly frustrated Keane tried to provoke a reaction from Alan Shearer and deliberately hit him in the head while pretending to take a throw-in.

However, he only succeeded in getting himself booked by referee Steve Bennett, before losing his temper as the former England international goaded him.

Roy Keane tried to punch Alan Shearer during a Premier League match in September 2001

Bennett swiftly upgraded the yellow card to a red as Keane threw a punch at Shearer but missed and ended up shoving the Newcastle number nine, while being restrained by David Beckham.