Haaland and City launch legal action against Keane

Roy Keane faces a 12 month legal nightmare after Alf Inge Haaland and Manchester City declared their intention to sue the former Irish skipper for his horror tackle in the Old Trafford derby in April last year.

Haaland has not completed a full game since he was caught by Keane's horrific knee high tackle, which saw the Manchester United midfielder instantly sent off by referee David Ellery.

Last week, in the serialisation of his autobiography, Keane admitted that he had gone out deliberately to seek revenge on the Norwegian, after he had accused him of feigning injury.

That dates back to 1997, when Haaland – then at Leeds – was the victim of another bad tackle from Keane, who actually ruptured his cruciate ligaments in the process.

"I waited until five minutes before the end," Keane stated in his book.

"I hit him hard. The ball was there (I think). Take that you '.

"I didn't even wait for the referee to show the red card. I turned and walked to the dressing room."

Although it is thought that Haaland was carrying an injury into the Manchester duel and his current knee problems, which may force him to retire, are actually related to his left leg, rather than the right one which Keane struck, he still believes he has a case.

It is thought Haaland believes the weakness in the joint was exacerbated by the force of Keane's challenge and, after consultation with the player and their own legal team, Manchester City agree and are ready to launch a legal fight not just against the player, but also his club.

"Following discussions between the Football Club, Alfie and his legal advisers, it has been agreed to jointly instruct a leading firm of solicitors regarding the circumstances surrounding Roy Keane's tackle on 21st April 2001," said an official Manchester City statement.

"This action has been taken with a view to commencing legal proceedings against Roy Keane and his employers Manchester United Football Club."

Former Celtic defender Paul Elliott and ex–Sheffield Wednesday striker Gordon Watson are among those who have taken legal action after their careers ended early, although this case is set to become more protracted.

"I wouldn't expect this to be settled in any less than 12 months," leading sports lawyer Max Duthie told Sky Sports News.

"It is not good for football to have two of its senior clubs fighting in the courts but then it is not good for football to have one of its most high profile players say he deliberately went out to injure an opponent.

"Alf Inge Haaland will probably say that he lost out on possible future contracts, while Manchester City will say they have been deprived of a player.

"What is less clear is whether he can show that Roy Keane caused the injury which has led him to be absent from the game."

The Football Association have already said they intend to investigate Keane's comments once the book is finally released at the end of the month.

Professional Footballers' Association chief executive Gordon Taylor has already admitted that Keane has left himself open to a fine and possible ban, although Manchester United have not officially indicated whether they saw a transcript of the book before it went to print.