CCTV footage shows the aftermath of Roy Keane allegedly being headbutted by a football fan - as the Manchester United legend is accused of throwing an elbow in an alleged bout of “gratuitous violence".
Keane took the stand at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court on Wednesday to give evidence against Scott Law, 43, who denies a charge of common assault. Law allegedly assaulted Keane, during the closing stages of United’s Premier League clash with Arsenal in September last year.
Keane and Richards had been commenting on the game from the studio before the alleged attack. Law was sat in front of that studio when he noticed Keane celebrating a late United goal, which was later chalked off.
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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 allegedly knocked the former Ireland international backwards through a set of doors with a headbutt.
The Irishman, who suffered bruising on his chest and arms, added: "We missed the final two goals but that was the least of my worries.”
However, Law told the court he was rushing to the toilet instead, and only used his head in self-defence when Keane came at him, repeatedly calling him a “fatty”. Law told officers in a prepared statement how Keane had “approached him in an aggressive manner" - causing him to throw his head back in self-defence.
Mr Jones said: "There was simply no justification for the defendant’s violence. We say he was clearly the aggressor. His claims of needing to get a pre-emptive strike in lack credibility.”
But 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 shows 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 is seen on camera using “gratuitous violence” by throwing his elbow and “smashing his nose”.
Keane replied that the clip shows him trying to stop Law leaving, before Mr Sherrard asked: “How are you stopping someone getting away with an elbow to the face?”
Keane replied: “I’ve got bags in my hands, I was trying to grab him, to stop him from getting out. I must have said nine or ten times, someone call the police. I’m trying to stop him from leaving.”
The court has heard Richards was heard saying: “Are you crazy? Are you f***ing mad? Say sorry.” Later, it's claimed he said: “Someone needs to arrest him, he’s just assaulted Roy Keane, don’t let him go.”
Richards is expected to appear in court on Friday to give his evidence. Law denies a charge of common assault. The trial continues.
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