FAI gives Roy Keane ‘full support’ after fan incident

The FAI and Ireland manager Martin O’Neill last night insisted Roy Keane had their "full support" following an incident at the team hotel during which there was an alleged altercation with a fan.

Late last night the FAI moved to correct “inaccurate media reports” concerning the incident at the Portmarnock Hotel in Dublin, just two days before the team play Scotland in a crunch Euro 2016 match.

It is understood a group of fans had gathered at the hotel in the hope of seeing their heroes. A missile, believed to be a book, is believed to have been thrown at Keane. Sources claim the assistant manager raised his arms to defend himself and a fan fell to the ground.

The FAI issued a statement in which it said: “Following inaccurate media reports which refer to an incident involving a member of the public this evening at the Republic of Ireland team hotel, we wish to clarify that Roy Keane called the gardaí following the incident. The manager, Martin O’Neill and the FAI are fully aware of the circumstances surrounding this event, and the assistant manager has their full support.”

Gardaí confirmed they were called to the scene following an incident but were yet to receive any complaint in relation to the matter. Gardaí said the course of the investigation depended on whether or not they received a complaint from any of the parties involved.

The FAI said Roy Keane will fly out to Glasgow as scheduled with the team this afternoon ahead of tomorrow night’s match against Scotland.