Roy Keane will remain part of Sky Sports’ punditry team for Sunday’s crucial Liverpool versus Manchester City clash, despite his recent heated altercation with Ipswich Town supporters.
The broadcaster has completed an investigation into last weekend’s pitch-side incident at Portman Road, where the former Manchester United captain was filmed in a confrontation with fans.
The decision comes after Sky Sports conducted interviews with other presenters who were present during the exchange, with sources suggesting the broadcaster held sympathy for Keane’s position amid claims some supporters had “overstepped the mark.”
The incident occurred before Manchester United’s 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town, where Keane was working as a pitch-side pundit.
Roy Keane hit out at one fan during his media duties for Sky Sports
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The 53-year-old, who managed Ipswich between 2009 and 2011, was captured on video responding to taunts from a section of home supporters.
The situation escalated when Keane offered to meet a disgruntled fan in the car park after the match to settle their differences.
Reports suggest the former United captain faced “relentless taunts” from supporters at Portman Road, where he previously served as manager.
Sky Sports’ investigation involved detailed discussions with other employees who were present during the incident.
The broadcaster interviewed presenter Kelly Cates, along with pundits Jamie Redknapp and Izzy Christiansen, to gather a complete understanding of the events.
While Sky has remained tight-lipped about the official outcome of their probe, sources indicate they were sympathetic to Keane’s position.
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The investigation appears to have taken into account claims that some fans had consistently crossed acceptable boundaries with their behaviour towards the pundit.
The broadcaster will continue with their usual match-by-match assessment of security requirements, with no plans to increase measures around Keane.
This marks Keane’s second confrontation with supporters in consecutive seasons, following a serious incident at the Emirates Stadium last year.
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Roy Keane walked away from the fan before there was any more trouble
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During the previous altercation, Keane was headbutted by a fan who was subsequently brought before the courts.
The pundit later addressed the Emirates incident on a podcast, saying: “Do you think I enjoy that side of it? Absolutely not.”
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Roy Keane was speaking to new Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim at the time
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Keane, who has less than 12 months remaining on his Sky Sports contract, has previously expressed his desire to step away from punditry within the next year.
The former midfielder will now turn his attention to Sunday’s top-of-the-table clash at Anfield.