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.