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Keane arrested during celebration

Man United captain allegedly assaulted woman in bar

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Posted: Tuesday May 18, 1999 09:24 AM

Keane was expected to play a key role in the FA Cup game, but he will miss the Champions Cup final because of suspension. Shaun Botterill/Allsport

MANCHESTER, England (AP) -- Manchester United captain Roy Keane was arrested after allegedly assaulting a woman in a bar as he and teammates celebrated winning the Premier League title, police said Tuesday.

The Irish midfielder, a key figure in United's bid for an unprecedented sweep of three titles, was detained Monday night after a 25-year-old woman alleged he kicked her in the thigh during a fracas at a Manchester night spot.

After being held in a cell overnight at Manchester's Bootle Street Police Station, Keane was released on bail Tuesday at midday. He was ordered to report to Manchester police for further questioning on July 13.

Chief inspector superintendent John Davis said Keane had denied the assault allegation.

The arrest came the day after United beat Tottenham 2-1 on the final day of the season to clinch the league title for the fifth time in seven years.

Keane, who is also captain of Ireland's national side, was out celebrating with teammates David Beckham, Gary Neville, Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole in various bars.

Leanne Carey, an Australian, told The Sun newspaper that Keane kicked her after pouring a pint of beer over her friend.

"He gave me a good kick, I'll have a bruise tomorrow," she was quoted as saying.

United manager Alex Ferguson went to the police station Tuesday morning along with Ned Kelly, the club's head of security.

"Roy will be alright," Ferguson said. "We will straighten it out. I think, from what I can gather, [the allegation] is inaccurate."

Ferguson was present as Keane was questioned by police. Keane then left in a police van with sirens blaring.

On Saturday, United faces Newcastle in the FA Cup final at Wembley, and the team plays Bayern Munich in the European Champions Cup final in Barcelona four days later.

Keane was expected to play a key role in the FA Cup game, but he will miss the Champions Cup final because of suspension.

 

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