CCTV footage shows the aftermath of Roy Keane being headbutted by Arsenal fan Scott Law, who was found guilty of the offence at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court on Thursday.
Law, 43, had pleaded not guilty to a charge of common assault against Keane following an incident on September 3 last year following Arsenal’s 3-1 victory over Manchester United.
Keane and fellow pundit Micah Richards had been commenting on the game from the Sky Sports studio before the attack. Law was sat in front of that studio when he noticed Keane celebrating a late United goal scored by Alejandro Garnacho, which was later chalked off by VAR.
The footage shows the aftermath of the incident which saw Mr Law headbutt Keane (Press Association)
Keane had been accused of elbowing the defendant (Press Association)Prosecutor Simon Jones told the court this was a "catalyst" for the "shocking and unlawful" attack. The court heard how Law rushed to confront Keane after a last-minute VAR decision went in Arsenal’s favour, and knocked the former Ireland international backwards through a set of doors with a headbutt.
During the trial, Keane said: "There was lots of noise and shouting, as you would expect at a football match. I was just walking and, before I knew it, I was hit. I felt the contact and fell back through some doors. I was absolutely not expecting it. The only way I can describe it is that I was in shock. I didn't expect it to happen, not when I was in my workplace."
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The Irishman added in court: “Micah then gets hold of someone. He was just trying to get a grip of him and make sure he didn’t run off.
Roy Keane being held back by security after Mr Law's exit from the scene (Press Association)Defence barrister Charles Sherrard KC suggested “the red mist descended” for Keane when the VAR decision went against his former team, and he was taunted by rival Arsenal fans.
Law's legal team presented a slow motion clip to the trial, arguing it showed Keane throwing an “upper cut elbow” at Law’s nose. “You chose to confront him”, said Mr Sherrard. “When you saw him, you said ‘say it to my face you fat c***’.”
Keane replied: “I said that when I was at work? Disagree.” Mr Sherrard suggested Keane was seen on camera using “gratuitous violence” by throwing his elbow and “smashing his nose”.
Scott Law, 43, has been found guilty (PA)
The incident happened at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium (TWITTER)But on Thursday District Judge Angus Hamilton ruled that Law was guilty of the offence, saying: “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.”
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