Linfield officials are incensed at allegations made in Keane's book concerning the Belfast outfit, which they claim are 'disgraceful'.

Referring to the atmosphere at Linfield's Windsor Park home before the vital 1993 World Cup qualifier between the North and the Republic, Keane stated: 'Linfield was a Protestant club. For the first in its history Linfield had recently signed a Catholic, a decision that caused great controversy.

'The player, who was also black, another major problem for Linfield's bigoted supporters, didn't last long. (nor did the manager who signed him).'

Linfield chairman Billy McCoubrey insists the claims are inaccurate and the club's legal advisers will decide whether to take further action.

'It is a disgrace,' he said. 'Linfield Football Club has had Catholic players since the post-war era, including some famous internationals. Roy Coyle was the manager who signed two black players and he left the club of his own accord after 13 years.

'One of the black players, Tony Coly, is still a hero among the Linfield support for the outstanding service he gave the club - and he was signed five years before the international Roy Keane is talking about.

'I really don't know where this misinformation is coming from but it is complete nonsense. The senior officers of the club will look through the text and then hand it onto our legal advisers for further instruction.

'It has been hard work at times trying to keep football going through the troubles and comments like this do not help one bit. It is fine to be honest, but you also have to consider what damage you might be doing. People will read this across the world and never know the truth.'

The publicity surrounding Keane and his book refuses to die down. He is already facing the prospect of legal action following comments made about his infamous tackle on Alfie Haaland in the Manchester derby at Old Trafford last year.

Even if Haaland is advised not to take the matter further, Keane is almost certain to face a Football Association charge later this week after hinting his horrendous tackle on the Norwegian had been premeditated.

The 31-year-old attempted to take some of the heat out of that particular situation at the weekend by stating he had `never deliberately set out to injure any opponent'.

However, in the same interview he also admitted that as far as he was concerned, current Republic of Ireland chief Mick McCarthy could 'rot in hell'.

The on-going war of words between Keane and, it seems, almost the entire Irish camp simmered over at the weekend when he was sent off for elbowing former international team-mate Jason McAteer in the head in the final minute of the Premiership draw with Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

The pair had already clashed once, with referee Uriah Rennie forced to intervene to stop Keane attacking the Sunderland man, who had crudely chopped him down from behind.

McAteer walked away mouthing 'put it in your book', apparently goading Keane into losing his temper and committing an offence which even manager Sir Alex Ferguson finally admitted left Rennie with no alternative other than to show the red card.