Police probe Roy Keane 'assault' claim

Police are investigating a claim that Cork football star Roy Keane assaulted a teenage boy, it emerged today.

The Manchester United captain, who is currently in France with his team for a Champions League match against Lyon, is said to have clashed with the boy near his home in Hale, Greater Manchester.

The 16-year-old boy claimed 33-year-old Keane, who also plays for Ireland at international level, assaulted him on September 4.

Keane is said to have been taking his dog for a walk on Hale Golf Course when the row erupted, the Daily Mirror reported.

The newspaper said the boy claimed Keane ripped a chain from his neck.

A Greater Manchester Police spokeswoman said: “Police in Trafford are investigating reports that a 16-year-old boy was assaulted on Saturday 4 September 2004.

“The incident occurred on Merrydale in Hale shortly after 5.30pm. Inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident are continuing.”