ROY Keane today told a court he was left “in shock” after allegedly being headbutted by football fan during a match.
Scott Law, 43, is accused of lashing out at Keane when he cheered a goal from his former club against Arsenal at the Emirates.
The United legend has taken the stand at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court today to give evidence.
He said he and fellow Sky Sports pundit Micah Richards were heading down for the final match analysis when he was attacked.
Keane, 52, added: “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 was absolutely not expecting it.”
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Keane said there was “large contact” with the side of his face and chest that knocked him backwards through a set of doors.
The pundit continued: “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.”
Keane told the court he saw the attacker being restrained by Richards, who was trying to make sure he didn’t “run off”.
The footie hardman then started yelling for someone to “call the police” as his fellow pundit loosened his grip on Law, who fled.
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He and Richards then headed pitch-side to give their final match analysis.
Keane, who suffered bruising on his chest and arms, added: “We missed the final two goals but that was the least of my worries.”
The court heard the ex-footballers had been commenting on the game from a glass studio before the attack on September 3.
Law was sat in front of the room when he noticed Keane celebrating a Utd goal, which was later chalked off by VAR.
Prosecutor Simon Jones told the court this was a “catalyst” for the “shocking and unlawful” attack.
He added: “The prosecution case is that from the moment the VAR disallows that Manchester United goal, the defendant, we say, appears to make an obscene gesture towards those in the Sky Sports studio which of course included Roy Keane.”
This “aggressive” gesture from the “hyped-up defendant” showed he was “intent on violence from the outset”, the court heard.
Law then made his way to an area where he delivered a “forceful headbutt” to Keane’s chest – knocking him backwards.
The married dad fled the scene following the brawl but was arrested the following day, it was said.
He 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.
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“His claims of needing to get a pre-emptive strike in lack credibility.”
Law denies a charge of common assault. The trial continues.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
