Colchester MP Bob Russell has called for police to investigate Manchester United footballer Roy Keane's foul on another player.

The MP has written to police reporting Keane's tackle on fellow player Alf Inge Haaland during a Manchester derby game as a crime.

As a formal complaint has now been made by Mr Russell, Greater Manchester Police will have to investigate what happened when Keane tackled Haaland during the derby match against Manchester City in April, 2001, to see if any charges should be brought.

In his letter to police, Mr Russell, who is the Liberal Democrat spokesman on sport, says Keane's "violent tackle was premeditated and was therefore a deliberate assault.

"Acts of assault, whether in the workplace or at entrances to nightclubs should not be viewed differently simply because one occurred during a football match while another was at a drinking venue," the MP writes.

He has pointed to the television coverage of the incident and Keane's admission in his recently published autobiography that he set out to hurt Haarland.

This was apparently in revenge for an earlier row between the two when Haarland played for Leeds United and Mr Russell says this is evidence of a crime being committed.

"It is about time football realised it is not above the law and this admission by Roy Keane should be treated as seriously as any other assault," Mr Russell said today.

Keane is likely to be charged by the Football Association for bringing the game into disrepute for his behaviour towards Haarland.

The Manchester City player was left with a badly injured leg and the incident led to Keane being sent off for the tackle.

Haarland and his club are considering legal action against Keane and Manchester United.

Greater Manchester Police said Mr Russell's letter to the chief constable is being looked at.

Published Tuesday August 27, 2002

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