The revelations from Roy Keane's autobiography, which is being serialised in the News of the World and The Times, get more controversial by the day, with the latest instalment likely to land Keane in serious trouble.
The former Republic of Ireland captain claims he deliberately injured Manchester City midfielder Alf Inge Haaland in a match at Old Trafford 18 months ago. The English Football Association are investigating the matter and may launch an enquiry. A statement on the FA's website read: "These comments have been used in newspaper serialisations of Roy Keane's forthcoming autobiography. Having read the comments we would like to see the book in its full context before making any decision. However we clearly would never expect any one individual to set out to physically hurt an opponent at any level of the game."
The pair's rivalry had dated back to Haaland's time at Leeds, when Keane suffered a season-ending knee injury while trying to trip the Norwegian up at Elland Road in September 1997. Keane's revenge was a long time coming but just as severe as Haaland suffered knee ligament damage and has not started for City since.
"I'd waited long enough. I f***ing hit him hard. The ball was there (I think). Take that you c***," quotes The Times from the Keane book. "And don't ever stand over me again sneering about fake injuries. And tell your pal (David) Wetherall there's some for him as well. I didn't wait for Mr Elleray to show the red card. I turned and walked to the dressing room."
Meanwhile, 29-year-old Haaland, who has not started a game since, told The Sun: "Am I going to sue? Make your own mind up. I've played only a few games after the tackle. I will go in and see if I can find any of Keane's studs inside there." But any action that Haaland might take could be hindered by the fact that his more recent fitness trouble has been attributed to his left knee, not the right one which felt the full force of the Cork man's studs.
The FA will wait to read the entire book before deciding on what, if any, course of action to take. A statement on the FA's website said: "These comments have been used in newspaper serialisations of Roy Keane's forthcoming autobiography. Having read the comments we would like to see the book in its full context before making any decision. However, we clearly would never expect any one individual to set out to physically hurt an opponent at any level of the game."
Filed by James Boylan
