'Scored a hat-trick with it in his hand' - Leeds United's amusing in-match game revealed

An amusing tale from the best Leeds United era of this century has been recounted by Rio Ferdinand and Robbie Keane. The pair played 47 games together across two seasons under David O’Leary between the end of 2000 and May 2002.

Speaking on Ferdinand’s YouTube channel, they dig through plenty of nostalgia from that era. The defender maintains his short time at Elland Road was one of the most enjoyable parts of his career, while Keane goes as far as to say it’s the best dressing room he’s ever been a part of.

They get into a game they used to play on the pitch during matches. Keane said: “We had this game: Penny. You passed the penny around during the game and the one who had it at the end would have to get a meal for everyone.”

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Ferdinand added: “If someone gives you the penny, offers it to you, you can't refuse it. By the end of the game, whoever's got that penny at the final whistle is buying everyone food and drink on a night out.”

Goalkeepers could not be offered the coin, Keane clarifies, while Robbie Fowler had an especially memorable time with it on Boxing Day in 2001. Fowler scored all three in an away win that day.

“Robbie Fowler scored a hat-trick against Bolton with it in his hand,” said Keane, laughing. “He wouldn't give it to anyone.”

It was a game which seemed to be played frequently by the Leeds squad. Ferdinand said supporters would sometimes be confused as players were caught out while celebrating goals.

He said: “I remember celebrating a couple of things, a goal or whatever, and someone goes like that (holds hand out) and you go ‘Ah!’ The crowd look at you [confused].”