Man Found Guilty of Headbutting Roy Keane in Senseless Act of Violence
A man named Scott Law has been found guilty of headbutting former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane in a “gratuitous and senseless act of violence.” The incident occurred after Arsenal’s 3-1 victory over Manchester United in September last year. Keane, who was working as a football pundit for Sky Sports at the time, was attacked by Law at the Emirates Stadium in north London.
During the trial at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court, it was revealed that 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 claimed that there was “banter” between him and Keane throughout the game, which escalated into aggression. According to Law’s defense barrister, Charles Sherrard KC, the incident occurred after a VAR decision went against Manchester United and Keane was taunted by home supporters. The defense alleged that Keane swore at Law and said, “say it to my face.”
Keane denied using such language, stating, “I said that when I was at work? Disagree.” He expressed his shock at the attack and testified that he suffered bruising on his chest and arms as a result. Micah Richards, who witnessed the incident, expressed his disbelief and described Keane as a friend.
Law, a civil engineer whose seat was located beneath the Sky Sports studio, had initially denied the charge of common assault. However, during the trial, CCTV footage from inside the stadium was presented, showing Keane elbowing Law in the face. Additional CCTV footage also showed Law running away from the stadium on the day of the assault.
Prosecutor Simon Jones KC questioned Law’s claim that Keane ran into the top of his head, calling it “ridiculous.” He pointed out that Law’s defense had dramatically changed from a prepared statement he gave to the police the day after the incident. Law attributed the differences in his statement to lack of sleep and feeling guilty due to media coverage of the incident.
In delivering his verdict, District Judge Angus Hamilton stated that he believed Law had been dishonest about what happened during the match. He emphasized that there was no reason for Keane to single out Law specifically and described Keane as calm and not agitated when leaving the studio. The judge also noted that Keane’s reputation as the “hard man of football” was confined to the football pitch and belonged to a bygone era.
Kevin Christie from the Crown Prosecution Service condemned the act of violence, calling it completely unacceptable. He stressed that anyone attending a football match, whether for work or to support a team, should feel safe and secure in that environment.
Following his sentencing, Law expressed his intention to appeal against his conviction.
In conclusion, this incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers and violence that can occur in football stadiums. It highlights the importance of maintaining a safe and secure environment for all individuals involved in the sport, including players, pundits, and spectators. Acts of aggression and violence have no place in football or any other public space.