Keane may face police investigation over tackle

ROY KEANE could face a criminal investigation over his tackle on Alf Inge Haaland if the Norwegian international makes an official complaint, police in Britain said yesterday.

The former Republic of Ireland skipper describes the challenge on Haaland in his autobiography.

The studs-up tackle saw Keane red-carded near the end of Manchester United’s match with Manchester City at Old Trafford 18 months ago.

Their rivalry 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.

“I’d waited long enough. I hit him hard. The ball was there [I think] ... take that,” Keane recalls in his 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.”

Following the suggestion of a pre-meditated attack, Haaland has hinted he may take legal action against the Manchester United skipper.

“Am I going to sue? Make your own mind up,” said Haaland. “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.”

A Greater Manchester police spokeswoman said yesterday: “We have not received a complaint from Alf Inge Haaland.

“If he makes a complaint then we would investigate it. We have a duty to investigate any complaint made to us.”

Keane’s legal team yesterday refused to comment on speculation that Haaland would take the Corkman to court.

The Manchester United captain’s solicitor Michael Kennedy was unwilling to make any statement on the legal threat.

Cork solicitor Olann Kelleher, who handles Keane’s interests here, also refused to speak about the Haaland threat.

“We’re refusing to comment on this. That’s all I can say,” Mr Kelleher said.

But Keane could face a Football Association inquiry over the comments he makes in his book.

A statement on the FA’s website said: “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.”

Gordon Taylor, chief executive of the Professional Footballers’ Association, said Keane could find himself facing action from the FA and legal action from Haaland. “Roy has been ill-advised and his comments are ill-judged,” said Mr Taylor.