04 September 2023 , 15:38
1033
0
Micah Richards has broken his silence on the incident that saw Roy Keane allegedly headbutted at Arsenal's clash with Manchester United on Sunday.
Metropolitan Police have confirmed a man has been arrested on suspicion of assaulting Sky Sports pundit Keane. Keane was on punditry duties for the Premier League clash at the Emirates when he and colleague Richards made their way through the confines of the Emirates stadium to take up a position pitchside before the final whistle.
The former Manchester City star was questioned about the incident on The Rest Is Football podcast. Host Gary Lineker started the show by asking: "One of us had an interesting weekend, Micah, you were in the news?"
Richards responded: "Oh my word. Gary I'm not allowed to talk about it." Lineker then clarified: "Because it's under police investigation?" Richards confirmed that, stating: "Exactly, but when I am allowed to talk about it, The Rest Is Football will get it first."
Shearer responded by saying: "I think the common opinion is don't f*** with Big Meeks!" Though Richards declined to comment, by saying: "No comment. I plead the fifth!"
Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash
Lineker wrapped up the discussion of the incident by clarifying: "It is not something we should trivialise because it is a serious matter and we will wait until the police investigation is done until we discuss that story further."
It was whilst on his way to the pitch that a fan is alleged to have headbutted Keane, before Richards intervened to cool the situation. The incident is claimed to have occurred in the moments following Alejandro Garnacho's disallowed goal, which looked to have put visitors United - Keane's former club - 2-1 ahead.
Roy Keane approaches a man during the incident
Micah Richards is seen confronting a man on Sunday eveningKeane and Richards are believed to have made their way back towards the studio to review the incident, before the Irishman was allegedly confronted by the supporter whilst he waited to get in the lift down to the pitch. Footage emerged online on Sunday evening of Richards acting as peace maker with a male fan.
A statement from Met Police later read: "Police are investigating following an assault that is alleged to have occurred at the Emirates Stadium during an Arsenal v Manchester United match on Sunday, 3 September."
A spokesperson for Sky Sports told Mirror Football: "We understand the police are investigating an alleged assault by a member of the public immediately preceding the footage circulating on social media. In the footage seen, Micah Richards was acting to diffuse a situation."
Mirror Football also approached Arsenal for comment. A spokesperson for the North London club said: "We are aware of an incident that took place during our match against Manchester United on Sunday. The Metropolitan Police is conducting an investigation into the matter and we are fully cooperating with their enquiries."