Roy Keane in court to face footie fan who ‘headbutted him’ after ex-Utd star celebrated goal at Arsenal match
ROY Keane is appearing in court today to face a football fan who allegedly headbutted him during a match.
Scott Law, 43, is accused of lashing out at Keane when he cheered a goal from his former club against Arsenal at the Emirates.
The Utd legend has taken the stand at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court today to give evidence.
JPs heard Keane and his fellow Sky Sports pundit Micah Richards were commenting on the game from a glass studio before the attack.
Law was sat in front of the room when he noticed Keane celebrating the goal, which was later chalked off by VAR, it was said.
Prosecutor Simon Jones said this was a "catalyst" for the "shocking and unlawful" attack on September 3 last year.
He added: “The prosecution case is that from the moment the VAR disallows that Manchester United goal, the defendant, we say, appears to make an obscene gesture towards those in the Sky Sports studio which of course included Roy Keane.”
This “aggressive” gesture from the “hyped-up defendant” showed he was "intent on violence from the outset", the court heard.
Law then made his way to a life area where he delivered a “forceful headbutt” to Keane's chest - knocking him backwards.
The footie hardman then urged someone to call the police as a brawl broke out.
Law was eventually restrained by Micah Richards, while Keane was left with bruises to his chest and upper arm.
The married dad fled the scene but was arrested the following day, it was said.
He told officers in a prepared statement how Keane had “approached him in an aggressive manner" - causing him to throw his head back in self-defence.
Mr Jones said: "There was simply no justification for the defendant’s violence. We say he was clearly the aggressor.
"His claims of needing to get a pre-emptive strike in lack credibility.”
Law denies a charge of common assault. The trial continues.
