Roy Keane's doppelganger found in Renaissance painting with fur-clad subject giving evil eye for centuries

  • A born competitor, Keane was famed for his fiery temper and icy glare
  • Former Forest, United and Celtic man thrived on adversity and adversaries
  • He sported a famous beard during his time as Villa assistant
  • An internet wag discovered an uncanny likeness in a Renaissance painting

By Peter Carline for MailOnline

Published: 18:39 EST, 4 September 2015 | Updated: 06:11 EST, 5 September 2015

Patrick Vieira, Mick McCarthy, Alf Inge-Haaland, Alan Shearer and Jason McAteer all fell foul of Roy Keane's piercing glare - or worse.

And while Keane's beard didn't last long, his icy stare is not easily forgotten. 

Indeed, it seems an uncanny resemblance to the Irish firebrand has been giving the evil eye for centuries.

Renaissance artist Paolo Veronese painted Portrait of Gentleman in a Fur sometime between 1550 and 1560

Roy Keane sported his famous beard last year during his stint as assistant manager at Aston Villa

Roy Keane sported his famous beard last year during his stint as assistant manager at Aston Villa

Keane, who remains Republic of Ireland's assistant manager, grew the beard back this year

Keane, who remains Republic of Ireland's assistant manager, grew the beard back this year

Keane beams before the Republic's 4-0 win against Gibraltar which put them  in a Euro 2016 play off place

Keane beams before the Republic's 4-0 win against Gibraltar which put them  in a Euro 2016 play off place

An internet wag likened the subject of Renaissance painter Paolo Veronese's Portrait of A Gentleman In A Fur to the Manchester United great.

Sporting an ermine fur, the mystery man was painted circa 1550-60 by the Venetian artist, one of the more prominent painters of his time.

And if you happen to be in Florence, pay a visit to the Galleria Palatina as you may set eyes on a familiar face...

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