Watch CCTV footage of Roy Keane headbutt incident as Arsenal fan found guilty of assaulting Man Utd legend

A man has been found guilty of assaulting former Manchester United captain Roy Keane in what has been described as a "gratuitous and senseless act of violence".

Scott Law, 43, of Waltham Abbey, Essex, had denied common assault following an incident during Arsenal's 3-1 victory over United last September.

Keane had been working as part of Sky Sports’ punditry team at the Emirates when he was assaulted.

The ex-Ireland skipper told the Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court he was "absolutely not expecting it".

Kevin Christie, from the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “This gratuitous and senseless act of violence was completely unacceptable.

“When anyone attends a football match, either to work or to support a team, they should be able to feel safe and secure in that environment.”

Footage emerged of the incident on social media, appearing to show fellow pundit and former Manchester City star Micah Richards stepping in.

Keane said he was left "in shock" by the clash.

Law had claimed to the court that Keane told him to "meet him outside" after "banter turned more aggressive".

📽️ Watch unblurred CCTV footage as Roy Keane is accused of elbowing the Arsenal fan who 'headbutted' him during a match at the Emirates last September pic.twitter.com/ZVUCnFKMpV

— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) May 30, 2024

Keane was allegedly headbutted through doors at the Emirates Stadium by Law.

However, Law’s defence team alleged that CCTV footage shown in court displayed Keane elbowing the defendant in the face.

Richards said he was in "disbelief" about the incident and "felt sorry for Roy" whom he called a friend.

The 35-year-old denied accusations from Law's defence barrister that he had claimed to see the headbutt because he was "Roy's mate".

Richards added: "I felt sorry for Roy. Just because of the fact you've come to work, to do your job and you've been assaulted.

"I could see he was physically shaken up. You do what any friend would do, or any colleague, step in and try to help the situation."

He added: "It was a surreal moment. We weren't going to a UFC match. We were at work."

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