Keane action always likely - Taylor
Saturday, 17 August 2002Roy Keane was bound to face legal action from Alf Inge Haaland as soon as his ill-advised book was released, according to the Professional Footballers' Association chief executive, Gordon Taylor. This follows Haaland and Manchester City's confirmation last night that they intended to sue Keane over his horror tackle in April last year.
Manchester United have also been dragged into the dispute by being named in the potential law suit, which could drag on for 12 months.
"It is obviously not good news but it is exactly what I thought would happen," said Taylor. "I cannot believe he was advised to make such comments and by doing so, he immediately left himself vulnerable to an FA charge and this potential litigation. It is a very unfortunate situation because it has pitched player against player and club against club. With Manchester City being promoted as well, it is not particularly going to help a healthy rivalry in the city."
Although Keane caught Haaland's right leg, the Norwegian is believed to be arguing the impact also exacerbated problems in his left, from which he has never recovered. He is expected to claim for loss of future earnings, while City point to Haaland's absence from the rest of their 2000-01 campaign, which eventually resulted in relegation.
Filed by Sinéad Kissane
