How Roy Keane reacted to alleged headbutt during Arsenal win over Man Utd
Roy Keane was allegedly headbutted while covering Arsenal's win over Man Utd
TWITTER
Roy Keane was 'startled' but 'did not act aggressively' after a fan allegedly headbutted him on Sunday.
The 52-year-old was working for Sky Sports during Arsenal's dramatic 3-1 win over Manchester United.
A video was shared on social media showing Micah Richards holding a man by the collar, with Keane also snapped in the footage.
According to The Athletic, the former Republic of Ireland midfielder was left 'startled' after the incident at the Emirates Stadium.
😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/QGs3bHkTxy
— A. (@_Asznee) September 3, 2023
However, he 'did not react aggressively'.
Keane is known as one of football's toughest characters having never shied away from a row during his time at United.
Regarding Richards, the publication says the 35-year-old asked the man responsible for the alleged headbutt to apologise.
The confrontation 'spilled over into a hospitality area' with Richards then attempting to defuse the situation.
The man in question then reportedly left the scene and stadium.
A Sky Sports spokesperson said: “We understand the police are investigating an alleged assault by a member of the public immediately preceding the footage circulating on social media.
"In the footage seen, Micah Richards was acting to defuse a situation.”
The Met Police have since confirmed that no arrests have currently been made and that enquiries were ongoing.
"Police are investigating following an assault that is alleged to have occurred at the Emirates Stadium during an Arsenal v Manchester United match on Sunday, 3 September," they said.
And Arsenal have also revealed they're working with the authorities in order to get to the bottom of the matter.
“We are aware of an incident that took place during our match against Manchester United on Sunday," a club spokesperson said.
“The Metropolitan Police is conducting an investigation into the matter and we are fully cooperating with their enquiries.”
Meanwhile, an eyewitness told the Daily Express that blood was seen on the floor of the Highbury Bar.
"The incident occurred shortly before the 90th-minute mark in the Highbury Bar for platinum members," they're quoted as saying.
"The fan seemingly tried to head-butt Roy Keane.
"I then saw a mark between his eyebrows. Micah Richards stepped in and pushed the fan back against the door.
"I heard the altercation and I was shocked to see the individuals involved.
"Richards was very forceful at keeping the fan from attacking Keane and neither their security nor the door security could split the two apart. Keane was asking nearby staff to call the police.
"Additional security was called in and Richards and Keane followed until the fan was escorted downstairs via the escalator out of the building.
"Presumably, Keane and Richards then returned to their Sky Sports duties via the exit that they came in through next to where the video is shown.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Arsenal beat Man Utd 3-1 in a chaotic Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday
PA
"Afterwards, we noticed a small amount of blood on the floor on the route where the fan was led out.
"Seems like Micah Richards was acting as Roy Keane's bodyguard."