It’s a World Cup football shirt nobody even realised existed – but now it’s heading to auction and anticipated to fetch £20,000 (€23,000). ITV pundit Roy Keane dramatically departed the Ireland squad ahead of Japan 2002 and the move caused ripples throughout football. However, the Manchester United star ‘s shirt for the competition had already been produced with the correct printing. It was preserved by the team’s kitman who transported it back from Japan and handed it to his employer. It’s been stored in a
lock-up on the outskirts of Dublin ever since, reports the Mirror . Now Jonathan Courtenay is offering it for sale. He said: “I was the Umbro distributor in Ireland at the time. When Roy pulled out of the squad and came home the jerseys had already been named and numbered and were on their way out to Japan. “The kitman who worked for us and we requested that he hold onto those jerseys and they came back in skips and we took possession of them
again. I have had the shirt for 24 years. I’ve shown it to people over the years. It’s travelled about bit.” He added: “I’m of an age where it doesn’t excite me – as much as it should any more – everything has a value and I’m happy to let it move on. I’ve one wonderful daughter but she doesn’t have much interest in my collection of stuff so much so I’m going to let some of the pieces go now.” The Budds auction is
scheduled to occur in Wellingborough, Northants, later this month once the World Cup gets underway. Jonathan, 49, resides in Dublin with his wife Anita and 12 year old daughter Lauren. Like every Ireland supporter, he recalls the infamous confrontation between Keane and manager Mick McCarthy in Saipan during May 2002. The story proved so significant it made the front page of the Mirror. Jonathan said: “Mick and Roy had had a disagreement on a tour under Jack Charlton back in 1993. There was already little
bit of bad blood there.” The pair had a fierce dispute regarding the quality of facilities. He added: “There’s always been a huge interest in that story. I do remember the start of the World Cup and this was happening between Roy and Mick and India and Pakistan were threatening each other with nuclear war and the headlines in the papers in Delhi were about Roy walking out off World Cup!”. David Convery, head of sporting memorabilia at Budds auctioneers, commented: “Roy Keane is a
living legend in Irish football, and this shirt dates from one of the most infamous and explosive confrontations in football history. It was made for the team captain but obviously never worn – instead it’s a ghostly reminder of the tournament the team could have had, and one of the biggest ‘what if’ questions football fans have ever debated. “It’s an exceptional item to have in our World Cup Auction, and stands among many other brilliant lots – from Shilton’s ‘Hand of God’ Shirt to
Gordon Banks’ 1966 medal – which all stand witness to some of the most iconic moments the game has ever seen. The auction catalogue is evidence of the drama, the emotion, and the reason why the game is so well loved all over the world.” The sale showcases some of the most legendary pieces in football history, featuring: Gordon Banks’ match-worn shirt from his famed ‘Save of the Century’ against Pelé in 1970 (€230,000 – €345,000) Peter Shilton’s goalkeeper shirt from Maradona’s notorious ‘Hand of
God’ encounter in 1986 (€230,000 – €345,000). Also included is scarce memorabilia from England’s 1966 World Cup-winning team, featuring Alan Ball’s Final shirt, Gordon Banks’ winners medal and a complete set of tickets from the competition. Click here to sign up to our sport newsletter, bringing you the top stories and biggest headlines from Ireland and beyond
Roy Keane, 2002 World Cup jersey, Ireland squad, Mick McCarthy, Saipan, Budds auctioneers, Wellingborough, Umbro distributor, kitman, ITV pundit, football memorabilia