Keown fined for van Nistelrooy spat

Arsenal’s Martin Keown has been fined £5,000 (€7,500) by the Football Association and warned as to his future conduct following his spat with Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Keown was seen to push the Dutch international during the Gunners’ 2-0 defeat at Old Trafford in December and although the incident was missed by match referee Dermot Gallagher, the FA requested a video tape of the match.

A statement on www.thefa.com read: “The FA can confirm that following a hearing held on Tuesday, Arsenal defender Martin Keown has been fined £5000 (€7,500) and warned as to his future conduct.

“This related to a charge of improper conduct (breach of Rule E1) for an incident involving Manchester United’s Ruud van Nistelrooy in the Premier League match at Old Trafford on December 7, 2002.”

The England defender apologised to his manager Arsene Wenger immediately after the match, but explained there had been no malice in his shove on van Nistelrooy, which resulted in the United striker falling theatrically to the floor.

“Ruud was standing on my foot so I just pushed him away with my hand in an attempt to free myself,” said Keown at the time.

“It certainly wasn’t malicious. My only intention was to get him off me.”