A man has been found guilty of headbutting former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane in what was described as a “gratuitous and senseless act of violence.”
Scott Law, 43, from Waltham Abbey, Essex, attacked the football pundit after Arsenal’s 3-1 victory over Keane’s former club in September last year.
The ex-Ireland captain was working for Sky Sports at the Emirates Stadium in north London when the assault occurred, as heard by Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court.
Law received a three-year football banning order and was sentenced to complete 80 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay £650 in legal costs and a £114 victim surcharge.
Keane was headbutted through some doors while he and fellow pundit Micah Richards were on their way to broadcast their post-match analysis.
Law, whose seat was beneath the Sky Sports studio, claimed there had been “banter” between him and Keane throughout the game.
He said it “turned more aggressive” and that Keane approached him when he went to use the toilet.
Defence barrister Charles Sherrard KC alleged that “the red mist descended” on the former footballer after a VAR decision went against Manchester United towards the end of the match and he was taunted by home supporters.
He claimed Mr Keane swore at Law and said “say it to my face”.
Mr Keane replied to the barrister: “I said that when I was at work? Disagree.”