And Giggs admitted that Keane's competitive nature extends beyond match day. In his column for the Sunday Mirror, Giggs wrote that the criticism his captain received for his dismissal in the game against Newcastle was a little unfair. Keane is not a dirty player. Fundamentally he's a winner and anything else is a secondary consideration. Inevitably that ever-demanding will to win comes at a cost.
Players react differently to certain situations.
Those with a composed nature can count to 10 and walk away from trouble. Others, like Keane, will react instantaneously and ultimately face the consequences for their actions if deemed over the top. Hindsight is a great thing but players like Keane will never be tamed. Fundamentally he is what he is and that is a committed and unrivalled competitor on the field. It was poignant to read Alan Shearer's comments on the incident.