Scott Law, a 43-year-old Arsenal fan from Waltham Abbey, Essex, has been found guilty of headbutting former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane at a Premier League match. The incident occurred on September 3, 2023, following Arsenal’s 3-1 victory over Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium, where Keane was working as a pundit for Sky Sports.
The altercation was partially captured on social media, showing Keane’s colleague, Micah Richards, intervening to separate the parties involved. Keane, 52, testified that he was left “in shock” by the assault.
Law, who pleaded not guilty to a charge of common assault, claimed that Keane had invited him to “meet him outside” after their banter escalated. Law’s defense argued that CCTV footage from inside the stadium showed Keane elbowing Law in the face, a claim denied by the prosecution.
Richards, who witnessed the incident, described his disbelief and his concern for Keane, stating that he intervened as any friend or colleague would. He dismissed suggestions from Law’s defense that he was biased due to his friendship with Keane.
During his testimony, Law, a lifelong Arsenal fan and season ticket holder, claimed that Keane had been angry throughout the match and had singled him out. He stated that he put his head down in a defensive manner when Keane “collided into him.” Prosecutor Simon Jones KC challenged Law’s account, calling it “ridiculous” and noting inconsistencies between his court testimony and his initial police statement.
Law, who became emotional during questioning, maintained that he had been sleep-deprived and overwhelmed by media coverage following the incident. The court ultimately found Law guilty, rejecting his defense.
