MICAH Richards today denied he was Roy Keane’s “puppy” after defending his “friend” when he was allegedly headbutted by a fan.
Scott Law, 43, is accused of knocking the ex-Utd player through a set of doors after violence erupted at the Emirates.
Keane, 52, was celebrating a goal from his former side against Arsenal when he was attacked, Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court heard.
But Law claims he was just rushing to the toilet when the Sky Sports pundit ambushed him and called him a “fat c***”.
He also claims “aggressive” Keane gestured to “meet him outside” during the September 3 melee.
Richards was seen in CCTV footage stepping in to restrain Law before the alleged attacker fled the scene.
The Sky Sports pundit today denied he was Keane’s “puppy” as he told the court he “did what any friend would”.
Richards added: “I grappled with him. I said what did you do that for? He was saying f***ing this, f***ing that.
“I grabbed him and moved him down the corridor.
“I had him, I couldn’t hold him for long enough so he run off. I was trying to restrain him until security arrived.
“He said ‘I’m sorry, I’m sorry’.”
Richards said Keane was “physically massively shaken up” after Law “arched his head back” during the brawl.
The ex-England ace added: “I felt a bit sorry for Roy. I was shocked and so was Roy, we were in disbelief. I think he handled it quite well.
“I intervened, I felt sorry for Roy, he came to work to do his job and he was assaulted.
“I did what any friend would do, I stopped him and diffused the situation.”
But defence lawyer Charles Sherrard KC branded Richards “Roy Keane‘s stooge” and said he believes there was never a headbutt.
Richards then toldthe court his colleague was just “trying to defend himself” after footage apparently showed Keane elbowing Law in the aftermath.
Mr Sherrard said: “I’m going to suggest this is where you are Mr Keane’s puppy. It’s an uppercut elbow to the nose.”
But Richards said he didn’t agree, and also denied a footballer would get sent off for displaying similar tactics.
The former Man City star also accused Mr Sherrard of trying to “mince my words” after branding him a “liar on the stand”.
He added: “know what I saw. You can dress it up however you want to.”
Keane was previously accused of taking “glory” in his reputation as “a hard man” as he was grilled over infamous tackles during his career.
Mr Sherrard also referenced Keane holding the record for the most red cards in English football.
He then suggested Keane had used “gratuitous violence” by smashing Law in the face.
The lawyer said: “How are you stopping somebody getting away with an elbow to the face – with your bent arm?
“That was your way of retaliating. You were the only person who delivered any unlawful violence. There was no need for that was there?
“That injury to Mr Law’s nose was caused by you, in that way, in that moment.”
But taking the stand, Keane denied all the allegations, with the court told he was actually carrying a bag in each hand at the time.
He said: “I was assaulted in the workplace as a pundit and I was trying to stop him getting away.
“That was my only intention.”
Inside Roy Keane and Micah Richards’ unlikely bromance
Roy Keane and Micah Richards may have been separated by the Manchester divide as players.
But they have been thick as thieves since forming an unlikely friendship as pundits.
The duo initially appeared to be chalk and cheese while appearing on Sky Sports.
But despite their differing personalities, they have an underlying respect.
Fun-loving ex-City star Richards, 35, once said of his notoriously grump United pal: “Never did I think we’d have a relationship like that. Working with him is an absolute pleasure.
“I’m in awe of him.”
Ahead of Euro 2020, the pair starred in their own show together, with their on-screen chemistry and friendship clear for all to see.
The five-episode series, titled “Micah and Roy’s Road to Wembley”, followed the pair during that summer’s European Championships.
Keane claimed he and Richards were heading down for the final match analysis when contact was made with his face that sent him backwards through a set of doors.
The pundit continued: “The only way I can describe it is that I was in shock. I didn’t expect it to happen, not when I was in my workplace.”
Keane told the court he saw the attacker being restrained by Richards, who was trying to make sure he didn’t “run off”.
The footie hardman then started yelling for someone to “call the police” as his fellow pundit loosened his grip on Law, who fled.
Keane, who suffered bruising on his chest and arms, added: “We missed the final two goals but that was the least of my worries.”
The court heard the ex-footballers had been commenting on the game from a glass studio before the attack on September 3.
Law was sat in front of the room when he noticed Keane celebrating a Utd goal, which was later chalked off by VAR.
Prosecutor Simon Jones told the court this was a “catalyst” for the “shocking and unlawful” attack.
“Hyped-up” Law then made his way to an area where he delivered a “forceful headbutt” to Keane’s chest – knocking him backwards.
The married dad fled the scene following the brawl but was arrested the following day, it was said.
He told officers in a prepared statement how Keane had “approached him in an aggressive manner” – causing him to throw his head back in self-defence.
Law said: “Throughout the match there was what I would regard as banter between me and Mr Keane.
“The banter turned more aggressive with Mr Keane gesturing towards me to meet him outside.”
Law denies a charge of common assault. The trial continues.