Man charged with common assault over allegations he headbutted Roy Keane

Roy Keane was working as an expert when he was allegedly headbutted. Photo: Getty Images/Simon Stackpoole

A man has been charged with common assault after former Manchester United captain Roy Keane was allegedly headbutted last year.

It followed an incident during Arsenal's 3-1 win over United at the Emirates Stadium last September, where Keane was working as a Sky Sports pundit. Scott Lowe, from Waltham Abbey in Essex, is now due to appear at Highbury Magistrates' Court on March 14 after being charged by post last month.

Following the incident, footage of former England internationals and Manchester City defender Micah Richards is trying, in the words of Sky Sports, to “defuse the situation”.

Sky said the footage of Richards was filmed immediately after the alleged attack.

It is understood the broadcaster has launched a review of its security measures following the incident, which was believed to have occurred when Keane walked through a group of fans on his way to the pitchside pundit position.

Telegraph Sport understands Sky is aware that some grounds are more challenging than others, as some arenas require former players to negotiate densely populated areas on their way to their commentary and pundit positions.

Arsenal issued a warning statement after a match last year saying they » were aware of the incident» and co-operated fully with the police investigation.

At the time, a Sky Sports spokesman also said: «We understand Police are investigating an alleged assault by a member of the public immediately before the footage circulated on social media. The footage showed Micah Richards acting to defuse the situation.»

Keane captained Manchester United at the height of their epic on-field rivalry with Arsenal under Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger and took part in it . in the infamous Old Highbury Tunnel skirmish with Patrick Vieira.