Roy Keane: Ex-Manchester United star left ‘in shock’ after allegedly being headbutted at match, court told
Former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane has told a court he was left “in shock” after allegedly being headbutted during a Premier League football match.
Scott Law, 43, of Waltham Abbey, Essex, pleaded not guilty to a charge of common assault at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
The incident allegedly took place on 3 September last year, shortly after Arsenal beat Manchester United 3-1 in a Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium.
Keane, 52, who was at the game working as a pundit, told the court that the incident happened when he and his Sky Sports colleague Micah Richards were walking down for the final match analysis.
“There was lots of noise and shouting, as you would expect at a football match,” the former Ireland international told the court.
The incident allegedly occurred at a 2023 Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester United. Pic: Reuters
“I was just walking and, before I knew it, I was hit. I felt the contact and fell back through some doors.
“I was absolutely not expecting it. 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.”
‘Forceful headbutt’ to the chest
A video played in court showed Law – an Arsenal fan – turning to the Sky Sports broadcast box after VAR ruled out a goal for Manchester United.
He then appeared to leave his seat before making his way to the club level, where he crossed paths with Keane.
According to the prosecution, Law then made his way to a hallway near the Sky Sports studio, where he delivered a “forceful headbutt” to Keane’s chest.
Scott Law arriving at court on Wednesday. Pic: PA
Footage posted on social media showed Richards stepping in afterwards to calm an apparent confrontation.
Keane said Richards held the man, believed to be Law, up against a wall for about “15 to 20 seconds” to stop him getting away.
“He was just trying to get a grip of him and make sure he didn’t run off,” he told the court.
Law then allegedly fled the scene after Richards lost his grip, before the two pundits headed pitch-side to give their post-match analysis.
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“We missed the final two goals, but that was the least of my worries,” Keane added.
The former Manchester United midfielder claimed he suffered bruising on his chest and arms as a result of the alleged assault.
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Law told officers in a prepared statement that Keane had “approached him in an aggressive manner” which caused him to throw his head back in self-defence.
But Simon Jones KC, prosecuting, argued: “Self-defence has no place in this case and there is simply no justification for the defendant’s violence.
“[He was] clearly the aggressor and his claims of moving to a pre-emptive stroke lack credibility.”
The trial continues and is expected to conclude on Friday.
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has called on Sir Keir Starmer to sack Treasury minister Tulip Siddiq over allegations she lived in properties linked to allies of her aunt, Sheikh Hasina, the deposed prime minister of Bangladesh.
It comes after the current Bangladeshi leader, Muhammad Yunus, said London properties used by Ms Siddiq should be investigated.
He told the Sunday Times the properties should be handed back to his government if they were acquired through “plain robbery”.
Tory leader Ms Badenoch said: “It’s time for Keir Starmer to sack Tulip Siddiq.
“He appointed his personal friend as anti-corruption minister and she is accused herself of corruption.
“Now the government of Bangladesh is raising serious concerns about her links to the regime of Sheikh Hasina.”
Ms Siddiq insists she has “done nothing wrong”.
Her aunt was ousted from office in August following an uprising against her 20-year leadership and fled to India.
Ms Siddiq is also named with her aunt in Bangladesh court documents about meetings with the Russian government.
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has called on Sir Keir to sack the minister
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As economic secretary to the Treasury, Ms Siddiq is responsible for policy on both the City and tackling corruption.
She referred herself to the prime minister’s ethics watchdog on Monday following the reports about the properties.
On the same day, the prime minister said: “Tulip Siddiq has acted entirely properly by referring herself to the independent adviser, as she’s now done, and that’s why we brought into being the new code.
“It’s to allow ministers to ask the adviser to establish the facts, and yes, I’ve got confidence in her, and that’s the process that will now be happening.”
Police in Aberdeen have widened the search area for two sisters who disappeared four days ago in the city.
Eliza and Henrietta Huszti, both 32, were last seen on CCTV on Market Street after leaving their home on Tuesday at around 2.12am.
The sisters – who are part of a set of triplets and originally from Hungary – crossed the Victoria Bridge to the Torry area and turned right on to a footpath next to the River Dee.
Eliza and Henrietta Huszti were last seen on CCTV in Market Street. Pic: Police Scotland/PA
They headed in the direction of Aberdeen Boat Club but officers said there is no evidence to suggest the missing women left the immediate area.
Specialist search teams, police dogs and a marine unit have been trying to trace the pair.
The sisters crossed Victoria Bridge before walking along a footpath next to the River Dee
The pair were heading in the direction of Aberdeen Boat Club on the south side of the River Dee
Further searches are being carried out towards the Port of Aberdeen’s South Harbour and Duthie Park.
Police Scotland said it is liaising with authorities in Hungary to support the relatives of the two sisters.
Chief Inspector Darren Bruce said: “Eliza and Henrietta’s family are understandably extremely worried about them and we are working tirelessly to find them.
“We are seriously concerned about them and have significant resources dedicated to the inquiry.”
The sisters, from Aberdeen city centre, are described as slim with long brown hair.
Henrietta Huszti. Pic: Police Scotland
Eliza Huszti. Pic: Police Scotland
Officers have requested businesses in and around the South Esplanade and Menzies Road area to review their CCTV footage for the early morning of Tuesday 7 January.
Police added they are keen to hear from anyone with dashcam footage from that time.
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