A man has been found guilty of headbutting former Manchester United captain Roy Keane.
Scott Law, 43, of Waltham Abbey, Essex, attacked the football pundit following Arsenal’s 3-1 victory over Keane’s former club Manchester United in September last year.
The ex-Ireland captain had been working for Sky Sports at the Emirates Stadium in north London when he was assaulted, Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court heard.
Law was handed a three-year football banning order and ordered to complete 80 hours of unpaid work. He was also told to pay legal costs of £650 plus a victim surcharge of £114.
Mr Keane was headbutted through some doors as he and fellow pundit Micah Richards were making their way to broadcast their full-time match analysis.
Law, whose seat was beneath the Sky Sports studio, claimed there had been “banter” between him and Mr Keane throughout the game.
He said it had “turned more aggressive” and when he went to use the toilet he was approached by Mr Keane.
Defence barrister Charles Sherrard KC alleged that “the red mist descended” on the former footballer after a VAR decision went against Manchester United towards the end of the match and he was taunted by home supporters.
He claimed Mr Keane swore at Law and said “say it to my face”.
Mr Keane told the court he was “absolutely not expecting” the attack and said he suffered bruising on his chest and arms as a result.
Mr Richards said he was in “disbelief” at what he witnessed, and “felt sorry for Roy” who he described as a friend.
Civil engineer Law had denied a charge of common assault.
Law’s defence team said CCTV footage from inside the stadium, played in court, showed Mr Keane elbowing the defendant in the face.
More CCTV footage appeared to show Mr Law running away from the stadium on the day of the assault.
Following the sentencing, Law said he planned to appeal against his conviction.
British Court Finds Man Guilty Of Assaulting Roy Keane
