THE real reason Arsenal fan Scott Law allegedly headbutted Roy Keane is being investigated – after the reported attack left blood on the stadium floor.
Law broke his nose clashing with Sky Sports pundit Keane, The Sun revealed yesterday.
Now it is alleged that Law was fuming after Keane cheered from the punditry studio when United briefly went ahead through Alejandro Garnacho’s 88th minute strike – before it was disallowed for offside.
Law, 42, was arrested and last night bailed – while Keane was seen today with his face showing no sign of any injuries.
Witnesses claim Law confronted Keane after Sunday’s Premier League match before launching a bungled headbutt which hit him in the shoulder.
The impact apparently broke Law’s nose, with hardman Keane unhurt but “a bit shaken”.
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Witnesses claimed blood was left splattered on the ground of the West Stand of the Gunners’ Emirates Stadium.
Pals of Law, a £2,500 hospitality season ticket holder, say Keane hurled abuse at fans below.
It is claimed Keane was then set upon as he made his way pitchside for analysis of Arsenal’s 3-1 victory.
Video shared on social media yesterday showed fellow Sky pundit Micah Richards separating Law from Keane.
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Keane was heard asking for stewards to call police before Law left the scene.
Arsenal officials are understood to have worked out his identity from electronic ticket purchases and handed cops his name and address.
Law, of Waltham Abbey, Essex, was arrested yesterday on suspicion of ABH.
He is understood to have been bailed after spending a few hours in custody.
A source alleged: “Keane was giving it to the Arsenal fans when United scored, and it wound some up. He seemed to be provoking them.
“Scott went to the concourse, saw him and headbutted him but he only hit his shoulder and did more damage to himself.
“He broke his nose and Keane didn’t seem to be hurt at all, just a bit shaken up.”
‘SHAKEN’
Another fan who witnessed the incident said: “The fan seemingly tried to headbutt Roy Keane.
“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.”
Sources said former Republic of Ireland midfielder Keane and ex-Man City defender Richards, 35, were left “shaken” by the incident but continued with their matchday duties.
The pair have struck up a firm friendship off the field since meeting through punditry and have appeared in several spin-off shows together.
Sky Sports will review security for its pundits and presenters for the rest of the season.
Keane, who clashed with former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira in the tunnel at Arsenal’s old stadium at Highbury in 2005, was back home with his family yesterday in Hale, Cheshire.
He was pictured taking his two dogs for a walk but refused to comment, covering his face from the cameras with a jumper.
SEEING RED
Richards touched briefly on the incident yesterday while recording The Rest is Football podcast with Match of the Day’s Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer.
Lineker asked: “One of us had an interesting weekend, Micah, you were in the news?”
Richards responded: “Oh my word. Gary, I’m not allowed to talk about it.”
Lineker then clarified: “Because it’s under police investigation?”
Richards confirmed that stating: “Exactly, but when I am allowed to talk about it, The Rest Is Football will get it first.”
Shearer said: “I think the common opinion is don’t f*** with Big Meeks (Richards)!”
Referring to the US law about the right to remain silent, Richards replied: “No comment. I plead the Fifth (Amendment)!”
Lineker wrapped up the discussion by clarifying: “It is not something we should trivialise because it is a serious matter and we will wait until the police investigation is done until we discuss that story further.”
Arsenal said yesterday: “We are aware of an incident that took place during our match against Manchester United on Sunday.
“The Metropolitan Police is conducting an investigation into the matter and we are fully co-operating with their inquiries.”
Manchester United did not wish to comment. Sky Sports confirmed: “Micah Richards was acting to defuse a situation.”
The Met said: “Police are investigating an incident at Emirates Stadium on Sunday September 3, during which a man was assaulted.
“On Monday September 4, a 42-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault (ABH).
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“The man has been taken into custody. Inquiries are ongoing.”
There was no answer at Law’s Essex home last night.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
