Your Route to Real News

Arsenal fan found guilty of headbutt attack on Roy Keane during Man Utd clash

06 June 2024 , 09:28
473     0
Arsenal fan found guilty of headbutt attack on Roy Keane during Man Utd clash
Arsenal fan found guilty of headbutt attack on Roy Keane during Man Utd clash

A thug was today found to have headbutted pundit Roy Keane during a violent clash after the former Manchester United skipper celebrated a goal.

Arsenal fan Scott Law, 43, attacked the retired star, leaving him with bruising to his chest and arms. Law erupted after Keane - working for Sky Sports at the Emirates Stadium - celebrated when United fired home, magistrates were told.

Law left his seat and went to find Keane in the stadium before headbutting the former midfielder's chest and face. Law denied the allegations, claiming Keane assaulted him and struck him in the abdomen during the clash.

But during a hearing at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court this morning, District Judge Angus Hamilton blasted Law’s lies and said his evidence “lacked credibility”. Law has now been handed a football banner order for three years.

Arsenal fan found guilty of headbutt attack on Roy Keane during Man Utd clash erideuiqtziqxkprwScott Law arrives at court on Thursday morning before being found guilty (TIM ANDERSON)

He was also handed a 80-hour community order and ordered him to pay £650 in costs and a £114 victim surcharge.

World Cup hero wants Man Utd move as doubts over Harry Maguire's future growWorld Cup hero wants Man Utd move as doubts over Harry Maguire's future grow

Mr Hamilton said: “I conclude that [Mr Law] is being untruthful and he did behave in the manner alleged.”

He added: “The assault was deliberate and Mr Law was not acting in self defence. I find the charge proved.”

The court heard Keane had provided a victim impact statement in which he said: “I stepped back from football for a short time to reflect on what had happened.”

Keane, 52, gave evidence last week to say he and fellow pundit Micah Richards were heading from the TV studio to the pitch for the final match analysis when he was attacked.

Law, from Waltham Abbey, Essex, pleaded not guilty to a charge of assault by beating over the incident at Emirates Stadium on September 3 last year.

Arsenal fan found guilty of headbutt attack on Roy Keane during Man Utd clashCCTV footage shows the incident with Keane accused of elbowing the defendant (Press Association)

He claimed he was just rushing to the toilet when the Sky Sports pundit ambushed him and called him a "fat c***".

He also claims "aggressive" Keane gestured to "meet him outside" during the melee on September 3 last year.

Sky Sports colleague Richards was seen in CCTV footage stepping in to restrain Law before the alleged attacker fled the scene.

The Sky Sports pundit gave evidence during the trial and said: "I grappled with him. I said what did you do that for? He was saying f*****g this, f*****g that. I grabbed him and moved him down the corridor.

Arsenal fan found guilty of headbutt attack on Roy Keane during Man Utd clashRoy Keane pictured leaving Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court last week (PA)

"I had him. I couldn't hold him for long enough so he run off. I was trying to restrain him until security arrived.

Marcus Rashford makes tongue-in-cheek joke after being dropped by Erik ten HagMarcus Rashford makes tongue-in-cheek joke after being dropped by Erik ten Hag

"He said, 'I'm sorry, I'm sorry'." Richards said Keane was "physically massively shaken up" by the attack.

The former England player told magistrates: "I felt a bit sorry for Roy. I was shocked and so was Roy. We were in disbelief. I think he handled it quite well.

"I intervened, I felt sorry for Roy. He came to work to do his job and he was assaulted. I did what any friend would do. I... diffused the situation."

Arsenal fan found guilty of headbutt attack on Roy Keane during Man Utd clashSky Sports colleague Micah Richards also gave evidence during the trial (PA)

But defence lawyer Charles Sherrard KC branded Richards "Roy Keane's stooge" and said he believed there was no headbutt.

Law's defence team also alleged that CCTV footage from inside the stadium, shown in court, displayed former Manchester United player Mr Keane elbowing the defendant in the face.

Richards, who gave his occupation as “retired footballer, now a pundit” denied this and said his colleague was “trying to defend himself”.

He added: “You wouldn’t get sent off for that – standing your ground.”

Mr Hamilton said Richards had acted with “honesty”, telling the court: “Mr Richards didn’t have any allegiance to Mr Keane. They had never played football together and had only worked together for four years.”

and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our

Dan Warburton

Print page

Comments:

comments powered by Disqus