Former Ireland captains accepts he has 'crossed the line' in his criticism of some players

Keane's decision to walk away from Ireland's World Cup squad in 2002 after a fall-out with manager Mick McCarthy remains one of the most divisive incidents in Irish sporting history.

His explosive exit from Manchester United was equally controversial, as he was involved in a heated bust-up with manager Alex Ferguson.

Now Keane has revealed high-profile controversies had a big impact on his family, as he spoke to The Overlap in association with Sky Bet.

Tommie Gorman tried to be a mediator between Roy Keane and Mick McCarthy in Saipan. Photo: David Maher

"I've had big stories about me in the press before, particularly the World Cup and when I left Manchester United, and it has a huge effect on your family, particularly your parents," said Keane.

"I've got children and if someone was critical of my child, I'd be affected.

"It made my parents ill, 100%, they were very ill from that stuff. So, we all have a responsibility without a doubt. I know we all sit in a studio but if you stick it to football and not cross the line."

Despite the criticism that came his way during his playing days, Keane went on to suggest he has gone too far in his criticism of some players in his role as a TV pundit, as he revealed he has apologised to Manchester United defender Harry Maguire for the criticism he has thrown his way live on air.

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Please review your details and accept them to load the content "I was harsh on Harry Maguire for footballing reasons and obviously we do a lot of United matches," said Keane.

"Obviously he's struggled at United, had a tough time with England - but more so club level.

"We're on about the mental health of players, and I've crossed the line with Maguire - I mocked him a little bit and it's not nice.

"I've played the game, I know how hard it is, but I'm also big enough. I bumped into Harry a few months ago and I apologised to him.

"Sometimes as pundits we get it wrong as well, but there is a point where you go, if it's personal then you're crossing the line."

Keane went on to reveal he would be keen to avoid some of his former Ireland team-mates, as he avoided naming those he had in mind.

"There's a few, I wouldn't want to bump into any of them, absolutely," he added.

"Club lads I was okay with but international they were just eggs. I can name a few but I'm better than that."