Football: Keegan wins £150,000 libel damages

Kevin Keegan has accepted £150,000 in libel damages from the News of the World over false stories that he organised betting nights on the eve of England matches.

Keegan and his wife, Jean, were at the High Court in London to hear lawyers for News Group Newspapers offer "sincere apologies" over the article in November last year.

Later the News of the World revealed it paid £150,000 in damages to Keegan plus legal fees, the cost of which has yet to be worked out.

His solicitor, Alistair Pepper, said the allegations were "scandalous".

The newspaper falsely claimed Keegan organised a betting school on the outcome of videoed horse races and that gambling was allowed to go on long into the night on the eve of matches.

Outside court an emotional Keegan said: "We've waited three months to put this right. I can get back on with my job now."

He said the claims had caused "misery" to himself, the England players and the Football Association.

Keegan said: "The article made me look like somebody who did not care. I think that everybody who works with me knows that is not true.

"Today has been a great day for us. It should never have happened. They published it. They paid the price."

News of the World managing editor Stuart Kuttner said: "We are very glad to have settled the dispute with Kevin Keegan quickly and in a civilised fashion. "