Keane may also face police probe

Manchester United captain Roy Keane could face a criminal investigation over his tackle on Alf Inge Haaland if the Norwegian international makes an official complaint, police said today.

The former Republic of Ireland skipper describes the challenge on Haaland in his autobiography, which is being serialised in The News of the World and The Times.

The studs-up tackle saw Keane red carded near the end of 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 is quoted in The Times.

“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 don’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 Manchester United skipper Keane.

The 29-year-old told The Sun: “Am I going to sue? Make your own mind up. 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 today: “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.”

Haaland was not available for comment.

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,” added Mr Taylor.