Former Republic of Ireland international Tony Cascarino has criticised Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson for his role in the ongoing controversy surrounding Roy Keane.
Cascarino, a striker in the Jack Charlton era, is somewhat dismayed by Keane's actions.
"People have lost a little bit of respect for him and that can be a problem," he told BBC Radio Five Live.
"I can't believe Ferguson has not stepped in and said 'enough is enough' on the book story.
"He should have told him 'At the end of the day you are captain of Manchester United and we need the best out of you every week. Don't keep putting hurdles in front of us'.
"That's where I can't understand Ferguson - he has defended Roy.
"Mick McCarthy bent over backwards for Keane and I was witness to that. That actually made Roy worse.
"He actually went more anti-Mick as he thought he was licking up to him."
Keane could face action from the English Football Association over controversial comments in his autobiography.
Excerpts from the forthcoming 'Keane - The Autobiography' suggest the player took revenge on Manchester City's Alf Inge Haaland with a high tackle.
Eamonn Dunphy has attempted to shoulder some of the responsibility saying he had paraphrased Keane's views.
Cascarino said there could be some truth in that. "I really believe Roy didn't read the story before it was released, " he said.
"I think it (the book) is Eamonn Dunphy through and through. He is well known in Ireland.
"Roy's given him a few interviews and let Eamonn get on with it and there has been an explosion.
"It always seems to be pro-Manchester United and anti-Ireland.
"Roy is a shrewd guy, he is not stupid by any means. But he has not gone and done what he should have done and that is go through the story with a fine toothcomb."
Cascarino believes Keane’s timing of his autobiography is poor.
"You don't do it while still playing as you are making yourself more enemies.
"It is hard enough playing the game and trying to get the results. He will have riled a lot of players."
PA