Roy
Keane could be charged by the FA for bringing the game
into disrepute after admitting he deliberately set out
to injure Alf Inge Haaland.
The
Manchester United midfielder, who made the shock confession
in his autobiography which is being serialised in
the News of the World and The Times, details several
run-ins he has had with the Norwegian, with the Manchester
City midfielder himself admitting he could be ready
to sue the controversial Old Trafford skipper.
A statement from the FA said: "These comments
have been used in newspaper serialisations of Roy
Keane's forthcoming autobiography. Having read the
comments we would like to see the book in its full
context before making any decision.
"However, we clearly would never expect any one
individual to set out to physically hurt an opponent
at any level of the game."
The FA is sure to take particular interest in Keane's
comments on the tackle on Haaland which saw him red
carded towards the end of the Manchester derby 18
months ago.
Keane admitted in his book that his challenge on Haaland
had been a long-time coming with Haaland having never
started a match for City since.
Keane, writing in his autobiography, said: "I'd
waited long enough. I ******* hit him hard. The ball
was there (I think). Take that you ****, and don't
ever stand over me again sneering about fake injuries.
And tell your pal (David) Wetherall there's some for
him as well.
"I don't wait for Mr Elleray to show the red
card. I turned and walked to the dressing room."
The suggestion of a pre-meditated attack has also
alerted Haaland, who has hinted he may take legal
action against Manchester United skipper Keane.
The 29-year-old told The Sun: "Am I going to
sue? Make your own mind up. I've played only a few
games after the tackle. I will go in and see if I
can find any of Keane's studs inside there."
Haaland is now talking over the possibility of suing
Keane with City officials and Chris Bird, City's chief
operating officer, said in an official club statement:
"We note with concern the reported extracts from
Roy Keane's book covering his foul on our player,
Alfie Haaland.
"We will discuss the implications with Alfie,
the various football authorities and our advisers
before deciding on an appropriate response."
