In the aftermath of the court ruling where the Arsenal fan who headbutted him was found guilty, Roy Keane revealed in a victim impact statement that he had taken a step back from football to contemplate the incident.
The altercation occurred during a match between Arsenal and Keane’s former team, Manchester United, at the Emirates last year.
Scott Law, the perpetrator, received a football banning order along with an 80-hour community order and financial penalties.
Law’s defense attempted to portray Keane as an aggressor, claiming he struck Law, but the judge dismissed these assertions due to lack of evidence.
Micah Richards, who intervened during the altercation, corroborated Keane’s version of events.
Despite the court’s decision, Law’s legal team emphasized the severity of the punishment, stating that football was integral to his life. Keane, on the other hand, expressed shock over the incident, emphasizing its senseless nature.
Kevin Christie from the Crown Prosecution Service condemned the violence, labeling it as “gratuitous and senseless.” The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for respect and sportsmanship both on and off the pitch.