Police 'quizzed keane over pitch tackle'

Soccer star Roy Keane was quizzed by police over his tackle on a rival player shortly after it happened, it emerged today.

A number of people complained to police after the Manchester United midfielder’s challenge on Manchester City’s Alf Inge Haaland during a match at Old Trafford in April 2001, Manchester Police said.

The Irishman’s tackle was recorded as a crime and both Keane and Haaland were interviewed. It was decided there was not enough evidence to prosecute the United captain.

Today, police promised to re-examine the evidence after the footballer’s autobiography, in which Keane is reported to admit his tackle on Haaland was deliberate, is published.

Keane: The Autobiography is expected to shed light on the reasons behind the challenge and say he injured the Norwegian to get revenge.

Haaland was the man involved when Keane ruptured his cruciate ligament at Elland Road three years earlier.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: “We can confirm that a small number of witnesses made complaints following the match.

“As a result, the alleged assault was crime recorded and all parties were interviewed.

“A file of evidence was subsequently forwarded to the Crown Prosecution Service, who, after consideration, decided there was insufficient evidence to prosecute.

“Following the forthcoming publication of Roy Keane’s autobiography, GMP will naturally review the evidence available and consider if any further action is necessary,” he added.

Manchester City and Haaland are reported to be considering whether to pursue Keane over the incident, and he may also be charged by the Football Association for bringing the game into disrepute.