Keane in court on assault charge

IRELAND and Manchester United footballer Roy Keane yesterday denied assaulting a 16-year-old boy, causing criminal damage and using threatening or abusive behaviour when he appeared before magistrates in Trafford, Greater Manchester.

The 33-year-old Irish international is alleged to have clashed with the teenager near his €2 million home in the wealthy Manchester suburb of Hale on Saturday, September 4. Keane was accused of assaulting the boy close to Hale golf course and damaging a neck-chain worth €30.

Keane, who wore a grey suit with a blue shirt and blue tie, confirmed his name and address at his appearance before magistrates in Trafford, Greater Manchester, before pleading not guilty to the three charges.

The case was adjourned to a pre-trial review on October 21.

Keane was released on unconditional bail.