Keane considers options

Roy Keane has two weeks to decide whether to appeal against the fine and five-match ban he must serve following his double disciplinary setback at the Reebok Stadium last night.

Keane's attempt to clear his name from two Football Association disrepute charges backfired spectacularly as he was told to pay a record £150,000 (€237,000) and also learned his ban will come into effect around the time he was expected to return from his hip operation.

Despite spending upwards of £20,000 (€31,600) on his own legal costs and amassing an impressive list of witnesses prepared to speak on his behalf, Keane still found himself on the wrong end of the verdict.

Given his present injury, if the 31-year-old decides against an appeal, he will not be seen in domestic action again until the crunch clash with Arsenal at Old Trafford on December 7.

“Clearly, after the arguments that have been put forward in Roy’s defence, we are disappointed with the verdict,” said United director and legal guru Maurice Watkins, who emerged from the seven-hour hearing flanked by Keane and manager Alex Ferguson to deliver the club’s response to the findings of the three-man FA disciplinary panel.

“It is not the time to make quick decisions, so we will be reviewing the question of appeal over the next few days.”