Roy Keane denies ‘hardman’ label after being ‘shocked’ by Arsenal fan’s headbutt

‌At the start of his evidence, Keane was asked to give his profession and replied: “An expert, allegedly.” He added that he also “does podcast stuff.” It was during his work as a pundit at Sky Sports that he was left “in shock” after allegedly being “headbutted” through the gates.

He also denied glorifying his role as football’s “hard man”, with the court shown images of a stamp on Gareth Southgate. “If you could tell me I’m a hard man, I’d listen,” Keane said.

The Emirates incident occurred as Keane and fellow pundit Micah Richards were heading onto the pitch for the final analysis of the match.

“I was walking and, before I knew it, I was hit. I felt the contact and fell back through some doors,” Keane said.

“I definitely didn’t expect it. The only way I can describe it is that I was in shock. I didn’t expect this to happen, not when I was at my workplace. Micah then puts his hands on someone. He was just trying to catch up with him and make sure he didn’t run away. I said, “Call the police.” For about 15 or 20 seconds, Micah held him against a wall (to prevent) him from running away.

Mr Sherrard claimed Keane was in fact the aggressor “as the red mist descended” and said: “The only person who resorted to wanton violence was you. » Enhanced footage was shown of the aftermath of the initial confrontation, and he suggested it showed Keane “smashing his nose”.

‌Keane replied: “I had bags in my hands, I was trying to grab him, to stop him from getting out. I must have said it nine or ten times, someone call the police. I’m trying to stop him from leaving.

Richards is expected to take the witness stand Friday morning.