Man (42) arrested after Roy Keane allegedly headbutted at match

Sky Sports say Micah Richards stepped in to try to ‘defuse a situation’ after Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester United

A 'member of the public' is alleged to have assault Roy Keane after Arsenal's victory over Manchester United on Sunday. Photograph: Robin Jones/Getty Images
A 'member of the public' is alleged to have assault Roy Keane after Arsenal's victory over Manchester United on Sunday. Photograph: Robin Jones/Getty Images

Police in London have launched an investigation after footage was circulated on social media following an alleged assault on former Republic of Ireland international Roy Keane, who was working at the match as a pundit for Sky Sports.

Keane was allegedly headbutted in the incident.

Sky confirmed that fellow pundit Micah Richards attempted to “defuse” the situation at the Emirates Stadium following Arsenal’s 3-1 victory over Manchester United.

On Monday, a 42-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault, and was taken into custody, the Metropolitan Police said.

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Sky said the alleged assault on Sunday “immediately” preceded the footage on social media.

Confirming the incident, a Sky Sports spokeswoman said: “We understand the police are investigating an alleged assault by a member of the public immediately preceding the footage circulating on social media.

“In the footage seen, Micah Richards was acting to defuse a situation.”

In their own short statement, the Met said: “Police are investigating following an assault that is alleged to have occurred at the Emirates Stadium during an Arsenal v Manchester United match on Sunday, 3 September.

“Any witnesses or those with information are asked to call 101 ref CAD 6961/3 Sept.” - Additional reporting PA

Nathan Johns

Nathan Johns

Nathan Johns is an Irish Times journalist