Man who headbutted Roy Keane found guilty of assault
Scott Law has been found guilty of assaulting football pundit Roy Keane at London’s Emirates Stadium. The 43-year-old, who pleaded not guilty to the charge, headbutted Keane on September 3, following Arsenal’s 3-1 victory over Manchester United.
Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court heard that the altercation occurred as Keane and fellow Sky Sports pundit Micah Richards were heading to do the final match analysis. Law’s defense claimed that CCTV footage showed Keane elbowing him in the face, and accused Richards of supporting Keane’s version of events only because he was ‘Roy’s mate’.
However, Richards denied these claims, stating he grappled with Law following the incident and was in disbelief at what he had witnessed.
Viral videos from the match showed Keane attempting to calm an apparent confrontation. Law, who was seated near the Sky Sports studio during the game, described Keane as ‘very animated’ and ‘angry’. He claimed that Keane had been aggressive towards him throughout the match, banging on the window and gesturing for him to meet outside.
During the trial, Law stated that he went inside the stadium to use the restroom and collided with Keane, who he claimed ‘ran into the top of his head’. Law said he lowered his head in a defensive manner to protect his face. Prosecutor Simon Jones KC dismissed Law’s defense as ‘ridiculous’ and highlighted inconsistencies in his statements.
The incident had led to an immediate investigation by the police, with footage circulating online showing Richards pinning Law against a wall shortly after the alleged assault. Sky Sports defended Richards, stating he was trying to defuse the situation.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed the arrest of a 42-year-old man on suspicion of assault (ABH) and stated that investigations were ongoing. They appealed for witnesses to come forward.
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The match itself was a dramatic affair, with Arsenal securing a 3-1 victory over Manchester United. Despite an early goal from Marcus Rashford, Arsenal equalized quickly with Martin Odegaard. Late goals from Declan Rice and Gabriel Jesus sealed the win for Arsenal, placing them in fifth spot on the league table while Manchester United dropped to 11th.
IMAGE: Scott Law. (PA)
