Sky Sports has decided against increasing security measures for Roy Keane following his confrontation with an Ipswich supporter at Portman Road on Sunday.
The broadcaster is reportedly satisfied with their existing protection arrangements for the former Manchester United captain and fellow pundits, despite the clash.
The decision comes after Keane was involved in an altercation with a fan during Sky’s coverage of Manchester United’s 1-1 draw with Ipswich.
Sky maintains sympathy for their high-profile pundit, according to the Daily Mail, but believe current security protocols are sufficient to ensure staff safety.
Sky Sports has decided against increasing security measures for Roy Keane following his confrontation with an Ipswich supporter at Portman Road on Sunday
X
During an advertising break in Sky’s coverage, Keane offered to meet an Ipswich supporter who had been heckling him in the car park.
The former Ipswich manager was guided away from the confrontation by fellow pundit Jamie Redknapp and a member of Sky’s production team.
The fan later claimed on social media that he had told Keane ‘he set us back five years and ruined our football club.’
JUST IN: Gary Lineker changes career as BBC presenter lands new job in wake of Match of the Day exit
Roy Keane wanted it in the car park 👊🏻🤣 #ipswich #ManU #IPSMU #SuperSunday pic.twitter.com/F3Ua5uX9Bw
— Aden Clarke (@adenLFC4life) November 24, 2024
He also admitted to referencing Keane’s departure from the Ireland camp at the 2002 World Cup, though later insisted he had only said: “You’re a better pundit than you were a manager.”
Sky’s existing security arrangements include deploying bodyguards for certain matches, particularly after Keane was headbutted in a hospitality area at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium last year.
The incident occurred when a man confronted the Republic of Ireland international at the top of the West Stand while he was waiting for a lift to pitch side.
READ MORE:Tyson Fury issues injury clarification ahead of Oleksandr Usyk boxing rematch
Sky Sports have ‘sympathy’ for Roy Keane after the Man Utd icon was bombarded with abuse by Ipswich fans during Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Portman Road
X
The broadcaster conducts risk assessments for each fixture, with security staff accompanying pundits through public areas during high-risk matches.
However, Sky acknowledges there is little they can do about abuse from the stands, with pundits generally expecting hostile receptions at certain grounds.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
This weekend’s Premier League clash between Liverpool and Manchester City is expected to warrant heightened security measures from Sky Sports.
The match is likely to be classified as high-risk, ensuring maximum protection for the broadcasting team.
The presence of Keane and Gary Neville, both former Manchester United players, adds to security considerations given their connections to Liverpool’s main rivals.
Sky recognises potential tensions, as neither pundit is particularly popular among both Liverpool and Manchester City supporters given everything they achieved during their respective spells at Old Trafford.
CONTINUE READING: