More stories

  • in

    Inside Keane and Richards’ unlikely bromance as ex-Man City star leaps to Man Utd hardman’s defence after ‘fan headbutt’

    ROY KEANE and Micah Richards have formed an unlikely bromance as two of Sky Sports’ leading pundits.Manchester United legend Keane, 52, is known for his straight-talking, no-nonsense take on football.
    Micah Richards and Roy Keane have formed a brilliant bromance on screen
    Roy Keane played for Man Utd, while Micah Richards spent many years at Man CityCredit: Getty
    Richards and Keane are often seen together on Super SundayCredit: Getty
    They frequently wind each other up in a playful mannerCredit: Getty
    Richards, 35, is a far more jovial character, often seen laughing uncontrollably at one his Irish counterpart’s opinions.
    And the ex-Manchester City defender was seen backing Keane up on Sunday after a fan allegedly headbutted the Treble winner.
    Footage shows shows Richards stepping in and pinning the man against the wall moments after the alleged assault.
    And their desire to stand up for one another clearly stems from a place of respect.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    The pair have spoken glowingly about one another in the past.
    Speaking last year, Richards hailed Keane’s charisma as he named him as his favourite pundit.
    He said: “Say you’re at home this Sunday. You’ve had your delicious Sunday dinner.
    “You turn on the telly, switch on Super Sunday. Who do you want to see?
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
    Richards defended Keane after a fan allegedly headbutted him on SundayCredit: Twitter
    “If Keano is on, you know it’s going to be entertaining. His brutal honesty is brilliant.
    “Before we got to know each other, Chris, I used to think you were just some wind-up merchant! 
    “Now I work with you, you’re only half-bad, because I know you just say it like it is.
    “But in terms of entertainment value, it’s Roy Keane, all day, everyday.”
    And it’s not just a one-way street.
    Keane playfully joked about his double act with Richards on social media two years ago.
    It came after he shared a picture of him chatting with Arsenal legend Ian Wright.
    And Keane added the caption: “With my mate Wrighty watching the football. Don’t be jealous Micah.”
    The pair are regularly seen on screen passionately debating the biggest issues in football.
    Even on Sunday, the two pundits got into a big disagreement over Arsenal’s goalkeeping situation.
    And it was hilariously diffused by Theo Walcott – who found it amusing that he was caught in the middle.
    But the pair have maintained their brilliant relationship throughout – with Richards speaking about his huge admiration for Keane last year.
    He told The Athletic: “But Roy is everything I didn’t expect him to be. It’s hard to explain without going over the top, but there’s this perception that he’s an angry, old… but he’s the nicest, most considerate guy.
    “And on the other hand, I think I’ve helped bring out a side of him that a lot of people wouldn’t see. And I take great pride in that.
    Read More on The Sun
    “I know I sometimes go a bit over the top in terms of getting reactions, but I love working with him. 
    “It’s almost awkward because Roy Keane has asked me to go for a coffee, you know what I mean?” More

  • in

    Roy Keane’s incredible reaction to ‘headbutt’ as pundit shrugs off ‘attack’ and jokes on camera just minutes later

    FOOTAGE shows Roy Keane’s incredible reaction to allegedly being headbutted by a fan – with the pundit shrugging off the “attack” and joking on camera just minutes later.The Sky Sports pundit was seen chatting and laughing with Arsenal star Declan Rice as they went live for a post-match interview.
    Roy Keane had a laugh with Declan RiceCredit: Sky Sports
    Footage of the incident inside the staduium emerged last night, with Richards seen pinning a man against a wallCredit: Twitter
    Consummate professional Keane looked relaxed as Rice talked about Arsenal’s 3-1 win over Manchester United – and even joked that Rice’s strike should have been ruled an own goal
    But he was left “shaken” after he was allegedly headbutted by a fan, sources said.
    Micah Richards was seen pinning a man against a wall during a confrontation inside the Emirates Stadium yesterday.
    Both pundits were left shaken following the incident, Sun Sport understands.
    Read More Football
    Sky is also understood to be beefing up its security moving forward.
    The fan, meanwhile, fled the scene in a crowd with police and Arsenal now combing through CCTV footage to find him.
    Keane and Richards had been waiting near a lift at the members-only Highbury Bar, at the top of the West Stand, when the incident took place.
    They were making their way towards pitchside to give their post-match thoughts as part of Sky’s coverage as the Premier League clash reached its final stages.
    Most read in Football
    But the pundits began returning to the Sky studio to watch replays of Alejandro Garnacho’s late goal for United, only for his strike to be later ruled out for offside.
    Richards is said to have been “acting to defuse a situation”, a Sky Sports spokesperson said.
    The fan was prevented from inflicting any serious damage on the United legend.
    The pair were eventually escorted down to the pitch, where they gave their thoughts post-match with ex-Arsenal winger Theo Walcott and presenter Dave Jones.
    Arsenal are cooperating with authorities with the investigation underway.
    A club spokesperson added: “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 cooperating with their enquiries.”
    A spokesperson for Sky Sports 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.”
    Keane and Richards played for fierce rivals on the pitch, but have former an unlikely bond since the ex-City defender joined the Sky Sports punditry team.
    They regularly work on Sky’s Super Sunday programme and will likely be back on TV screens together after the international break on September 17.
    Read More on The Sun
    Arsenal ended up running out 3-1 winners thanks to injury time strikes from new-signing Declan Rice and substitute Gabriel Jesus.
    Marcus Rashford had earlier given United the lead, before Martin Odegaard cancelled out his strike less than a minute later.
    Roy Keane was allegedly headbutted by a fanCredit: Getty
    Keane and Richards presented from The EmiratesCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Roy Keane left ‘shaken’ after ‘headbutt’ by fan with Sky set to ‘beef up’ stars’ security following attack at Arsenal

    ROY Keane was left “shaken” after he was allegedly headbutted by a fan during the Arsenal and Manchester United game.Micah Richards was seen pinning a man against a wall during a confrontation inside the Emirates Stadium yesterday.
    Credit: Twitter
    Richards and Keane were on Sky Sports with Theo Walcott following the alleged assaultCredit: Twitter
    A man, 42, has since been arrested on suspicion of assault.
    Both pundits were left shaken following the incident, Sun Sport understands.
    Sky is also understood to be beefing up its security moving forward.
    The fan, meanwhile, fled the scene in a crowd with police and Arsenal now combing through CCTV footage to find him.
    Read more football
    Keane and Richards had been waiting near a lift at the members-only Highbury Bar, at the top of the West Stand, when the incident took place.
    They were making their way towards pitchside to give their post-match thoughts as part of Sky’s coverage as the Premier League clash reached its final stages.
    But the pundits began returning to the Sky studio to watch replays of Alejandro Garnacho’s late goal for United, only for his strike to be later ruled out for offside.
    A witness told The Express Keane was asking nearby staff to call police.
    Most read in Football
    They said: “The fan seemingly tried to headbutt 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.”
    The witness added: “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.”
    Richards is said to have been “acting to defuse a situation”, a Sky Sports spokesperson said.
    The fan was prevented from inflicting any serious damage on the United legend.
    The pair were eventually escorted down to the pitch, where they gave their thoughts post-match with ex-Arsenal winger Theo Walcott and presenter Dave Jones.
    Keane seemed assured as he gave his thoughts on the game, even joking with Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice over how his strike should have been deemed an own goal.
    Arsenal are cooperating with authorities with the investigation underway.
    A club spokesperson added: “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 cooperating with their enquiries.”
    A spokesperson for Sky Sports 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.”
    Keane and Richards played for fierce rivals on the pitch, but have former an unlikely bond since the ex-City defender joined the Sky Sports punditry team.
    They regularly work on Sky’s Super Sunday programme and will likely be back on TV screens together after the international break on September 17.
    Read More on The Sun
    Arsenal ended up running out 3-1 winners thanks to injury time strikes from new-signing Declan Rice and substitute Gabriel Jesus.
    Marcus Rashford had earlier given United the lead, before Martin Odegaard cancelled out his strike less than a minute later.
    Roy Keane was shaken following the incident, Sun Sport understandsCredit: Twitter More

  • in

    Roy Keane & Micah Richards get in heated argument with fan after alleged assault during match as cops launch probe

    Roy Keane and Micah Richards last night got involved in a heated argument with a fan over an alleged assault.Cops launched a probe as footage of the row, which happened during the heavyweight clash between Arsenal and Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, was widely shared online.
    Richards and Keane were involved in a heated argument with a fanCredit: Twitter
    Roy Keane and Micah Richards were pundits for the clash between Arsenal and Manchester UnitedCredit: Twitter @SkySportsPL
    The football stars turned pundits were at the match as part of Sky Sports’ coverage.
    But Richards, 35, and Keane, 52, found themselves at the centre of an incident outside of their television duties.
    Viral Twitter footage showed Richards, who was wearing a black backpack, angrily collaring a man who allegedly assaulted Keane.
    Ex-City defender Richards was said to be “acting to diffuse a situation”, according to a Sky Sports spokesperson.
    Read More in Football
    Keane was said to have been confronted by the fan in a foyer as he was waiting to get into a lift to take him from the top of a stand down to pitch side.
    The man allegedly aimed a head butt at Keane and hit the Irishman on the chest and chin, according to MailOnline.
    However, the fan was prevented from inflicting serious physical damage on the Manchester United legend.
    In footage taken by an onlooker a man wearing a suit is then seen trying to separate the pair before Keane shouts something inaudible.
    Most read in Football
    Cops confirmed they were investigating the “alleged assault” but said no arrests had been made.
    Keane and Richards were reported to have been making their way to carry out their post-match duties for Sky Sports before the incident.
    The duo was eventually escorted down to pitch side where they were able to continue their broadcast.
    A spokesperson for Sky Sports 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 diffuse a situation.”
    A Met Police spokesman confirmed the force has launched an investigation.
    A statement read: “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.”
    The off-pitch drama followed a pulsating 113 minute match riddled with VAR controversy as Arsenal beat Manchester United 3-1.
    Ravaged by injuries, United took the lead through Marcus Rashford’s fine strike.
    But Martin Odegaard immediately hit back with a clean low-driven finish.
    Alejandro Garnacho thought he had won it for the Red Devils late into normal time but his strike was ruled out after he was adjudged to be offside by a hair.
    Read More on The Sun
    The match looked destined to end in a 1-1 draw before Declan Rice and Gabriel Jesus scored for Arsenal deep in injury time.
    Keane and Richards regularly work on Sky’s Super Sunday programme and will likely be back on TV screens together after the international break on September 17. More

  • in

    Martin Brundle in awkward new-style interview on live TV with Lando Norris who complains ‘you’ve broken my ear drums’

    MARTIN BRUNDLE and Lando Norris were involved in an awkward conversation as the driver complained “you’ve broken my ear drums”.Ahead of this afternoon’s Italian Grand Prix, Sky Sports tried a new-style interview while Norris was sat in his car.
    “I think you’ve broken both my ear drums but nice to talk to you as always” 😅Martin with a unique interview with Lando as he gets pushed into position on the grid! 🟠 pic.twitter.com/AgoyYE2H46— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) September 3, 2023

    Martin Brundle and Lando Norris had a tech nightmare as Sky Sports tried a new way of speaking to driversCredit: Sky Sports
    The McLaren team were wheeling the Brit to his spot on the grid with him starting in ninth place.
    On his way from the paddock to the track, Brundle was given the opportunity to speak to Norris but things did not go as planned.
    The broadcasting legend asked about the balance of the car only for the 23-year-old to admit he could not hear the question amid a technical fault.
    Norris improvised after an awkward delay, saying: “I am struggling to understand what you are saying so I am just going to come up with a random answer.”
    READ MORE ON F1
    He decided to give an insight into the strategy of the race, regarding the tyres and the pit stop instead.
    Brundle, who was walking alongside the McLaren then asked about steering after he joked: “I am trying to not get run over by your car actually.”
    Norris again could not hear him and replied: “I am still struggling to understand anything you are saying.
    “Maybe move the microphone a little bit further away from your mouth, it might be a little bit better, I don’t know.”
    Most read in Motorsport
    FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
    By that point Brundle’s time with Norris had expired and he wished him best of the lucky for the race.
    Norris responded in hilarious fashion, saying: “I think you’ve broken both my ear drums but nice to talk to you as always.”
    Despite the problems, fans still enjoyed the new way of interviews.
    One said: “Martin Brundle talking to Lando Norris whilst he’s getting pushed to his grid box. I must say, that’s pretty cool. Hopefully we see/hear more of this in the future.”
    Another added: “Okay that’s cool. Brundle directly interviewing Norris, who was already inside the McLaren.”
    Norris finished the race in eighth as Max Verstappen claimed victory again. More

  • in

    Awkward moment Theo Walcott gets caught between Roy Keane and Micah Richards as pundits have heated argument

    THEO WALCOTT was hilariously stuck in the middle of Micah Richards and Roy Keane’s heated debate as the pair argued over Arsenal’s goalkeeping situation.Walcott, 34, recently announced his retirement from football after an 18-year professional career.
    Micah Richards and Roy Keane got into a heated argument about Arsenal’s keepersCredit: Twitter @SkySportsPL

    Theo Walcott was awkwardly stuck in between the pairCredit: Twitter @SkySportsPL
    He hilariously pointed out that this was the reason he had been put in the middleCredit: Twitter @SkySportsPL
    And as he moves into the world of punditry, the ex-Arsenal forward lined up alongside Sky Sports’ Keane, 52, and Richards, 35, at the Emirates ahead of the Gunners’ blockbuster clash with Man Utd.
    One of the talking points on Sky Sports’ coverage was Arsenal’s decision to bring Spanish shot-stopper David Raya in as competition for No1 Aaron Ramsdale.
    Keane felt it was a good move, saying: “I find it strange with goalkeepers – and it seems to be a lot of ex-players, ex-goalkeepers particularly in the media – saying ‘It’s not right you’re undermining the goalkeeper’.
    “You need competition at your club. If every player had that mindset – ‘Oh if somebody’s going to come in to challenge me’ – that’s what you want at your club.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    “So these goalkeepers that are upset about another good goalkeeper coming to your club, what are they talking about?”
    But Richards immediately countered that point as he doubted the idea of having two keepers vying for the starting spot.
    The ex-Man City defender replied: “But how are you suppose to keep the consistency if you’re a centre-back and your keeper keeps changing?”
    Keane responded: “You don’t have to keep changing but your competition comes from within. It’s like when I was a midfielder, did I not like Man Utd signing other midfielders? Veron?”
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
    Before Richards added: “But you can play three in midfield. You can’t play three goalkeepers, can you?”
    As the pair bickered, Walcott then hilariously chimed in by asking host Dave Jones: “Is this why I’m stood in the middle in between these two, yeah?”
    Richards and Keane then continued their debate as Walcott smiled in amusement.
    The former England man announced his retirement last month after ending his second spell with boyhood club Southampton.
    He said: “I had some offers abroad, and at some very good Championship teams.
    “There’s been some Saudi offers, but that’s not where I want to see myself playing.
    “Nothing against the money or the league – I justfeel like right now if my heart’s not into playing football, then it’s not fair on the clubs and not fair on me.
    “I would like to [go into media], we’ll see. I do enjoy that side of it, I enjoy analysing the games, analysing the teams, and as well, I have a different insight into the generations, I’ve played inyour generation as well, which is slightly older than myself.” More

  • in

    Sky Sports forced to apologise after Ferrari F1 chief’s X-rated rant live on air ahead of Italian GP qualifying at Monza

    SKY SPORTS have been forced to apologise for Fred Vasseur’s X-rated rant live on air.The Ferrari chief gave a foul-mouthed interview ahead of Sunday’s Italian Grand Prix.
    Sky Sports apologised for Fred Vasseur’s X-rated rantCredit: Sky Sports
    Vasseur spoke to Sky Sports following the third and final practice session at Monza, which hosts Ferrari’s home race.
    However, he let his emotions get the most of him, prompting presenter Simon Lazenby to say sorry to viewers.
    “It’s quite emotional,” explained Vasseur. “I tried all week to calm everybody down and say, ‘Guys, you can’t score more points in Monza than somewhere else’.
    “But this is bulls***. When you arrive on Thursday morning at Monza with all the guys in red, you can feel it.
    READ MORE F1 NEWS
    “You can feel the passion, the emotion. For us, we have to take it as a positive and get an extra push from this.”
    His outburst prompted a smirk from Lazenby before he said: “A quick apology for the language.”
    It has been a difficult season for Ferrari, with Charles Leclerc’s two third place finishes their only podiums in 2023.
    Leclerc is sixth in the Drivers’ Championship ahead of Sunday’s race, one place below team-mate Carlos Sainz.
    Most read in Motorsport
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
    Ferrari also find themselves behind Red Bull, Mercedes and Aston Martin in the Constructors’ Championship.
    However, Sainz was able to claim pole position in qualifying, with Leclerc to start in third on the grid.
    All eyes are set to be on Max Verstappen this weekend, though, as he looks for a record-breaking 10th consecutive race win. More

  • in

    Stunning Sky Sports presenter left in ‘actual tears’ during awkward interview at Reading Festival

    ANITA NNEKA JONES was left in “actual tears” during an awkward interview at Reading Festival.The stunning Sky Sports presenter spoke to rapper Tion Wayne at the festival last weekend.
    Anita Nneka Jones was left in ‘actual tears’ as she interviewed Tion WayneCredit: Instagram @anitannekajones
    Jones, who is an Arsenal fan, discussed predictions for the season with the London rapper and Chelsea supporter.
    However, she was left in awkward hysterics after Wayne labelled her beloved Arsenal “overrated” and tipped Chelsea to beat them to a top four spot.
    When asked for his unpopular prediction for the season, he said: “Chelsea are coming top four and we’re gonna finish above these clubs.”
    Jones was left shocked as she looked at the camera with a jaw dropped expression.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    She also went on to joke that he had only said that as he knew she supported Arsenal.
    The presenter, who also works for the Premier League and CBS Sports, shared a series of clips of the interview to Instagram.
    In the caption, she wrote: “My laugh at the end are actually tears.”
    Her followers also saw the funny side, with one commenting: “Love this content.”
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
    Arsenal already have a head start on their London rivals as they sit fifth after three matches.
    The Gunners remain unbeaten after last weekend’s draw with Fulham ahead of a clash with Manchester United on Sunday.
    Mikel Arteta’s side are also back in the Champions League after a six-year absence.
    As for Chelsea, who are not playing in Europe this term, they picked up their first win against Luton last time out.
    However, they remain five places adrift of Arsenal in 10th but could leapfrog them temporarily by beating Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
    The pair discussed Wayne’s Premier League predictions at Reading FestivalCredit: Instagram @anitannekajones More