RIP the beard: Roy Keane shaves off his ‘Saddam Hussein’ beard

It’s been compared to everything from a badger to Saddam Hussein, but Roy Keane has had enough of the bushy bristles and has finally shaved his beard.

The Irish FA revealed on Twitter last night that the former Man Utd footballer had shaved off his increasingly threatening facial hair ahead of the Republic of Ireland’s Euro 2016 qualifier against Gibraltar.

We can confirm #RIPtheBeard! Roy has decided to shave the night before our first home qualifier! #makethematch pic.twitter.com/2BQQMI7zIM

— FAIreland ⚽️???????? (@FAIreland) October 10, 2014

Keane is currently on international duty as assistant to Ireland manager Martin O’Neill, but has also been publicising his new autobiography.

When asked by journalists about the beard, he said he’d been “a little bit lazy”, adding “If you want me to get rid of it I might.”

Serious stuff – Roy Keane is asked about the beard. https://t.co/PQyETpEO8o” @jamesaashe grow it as long as you want just don't hurt me!

— Stephen Quinn (@stiofanoc) October 9, 2014

After carrying out his threat, Twitter users have been gathering to mourn the loss of such magnificent beardage at #RIPtheBeard.

I thought of it as an adopted member of the #avfc family. Sad day. May you play amongst all the great beards of ages past. #RIPtheBeard

— Tom Lawrence???? (@tom__lawrence) October 11, 2014

NEWS: Roy #keane shaves his beard off, N. Korea views it as an aggressive act & threatens retaliation #RIPtheBeard Think I heard that right.

— Stay safe people (@PeterHindley) October 11, 2014

#RIPtheBeard Roy what have you done? It just doesn't feel the same unless you also look like a mass murderer!

— Paul Alan (@PEmery999) October 11, 2014