Sky Sports 'consider bodyguards' for pundits as Keane incident prompts review
Sky Sports are reportedly considering hiring bodyguards for their pundits after the incident that saw Roy Keane and Micah Richards confronted on Sunday.
The duo were on duty for Arsenal's dramatic win over Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium. Former Red Devils captain Keane was allegedly headbutted as he tried to make his way down to the pitch near to the end of the Premier League clash.
The Metropolitan Police have since arrested a 42-year-old man on suspicion of assault. Sky have launched their own investigation into the incident, which came in the final top-flight match before this week's international break.
According to the Daily Mail, the broadcaster will use the break to carry out their review. They will also decide on whether to beef up security at stadiums with the use of bodyguards, while the routes taken by on-air talent will also be looked at.
Keane and colleague Richards made their way through the confines of the Emirates stadium, when the incident is believed to have taken place, to take up a position pitchside before the final whistle.
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Clubs and the Premier League itself will be consulted, while fellow broadcaster TNT Sports are also looking at their own security. Both are set to continue to broadcast from pitch-side despite their security reviews.
Sky have already taken action with their pundits in other sports. Earlier this summer they employed bodyguards to look after the Australian members of their punditry team for the Ashes.
Micah Richards confronted a fan at Arsenal on Sunday
Roy Keane also moved in to confront the fanThey acted after a row erupted following the controversial dismissal of England star Jonny Bairstow in the second Test. Angry England fans confronted the Australian team, with Sky keen to avoid the same happening to their talent.
Following Sunday's incident at the Emirates, a spokesperson for Sky Sports told Mirror Football: "We understand the police are investigating an alleged assault by a member of the public immediately preceding the footage circulating on social media. In the footage seen, Micah Richards was acting to diffuse a situation."
A man has now been arrested on suspicion of assualt, with the Met saying in an earlier statement: "Police are investigating following an assault that is alleged to have occurred at the Emirates Stadium during an Arsenal v Manchester United match on Sunday, 3 September."
Richards was questioned about the incident on The Rest Is Football podcast. Host Gary Lineker started the show by asking: "One of us had an interesting weekend, Micah, you were in the news?"
Richards responded: "Oh my word. Gary I'm not allowed to talk about it." Lineker then clarified: "Because it's under police investigation?" Richards confirmed that, stating: "Exactly, but when I am allowed to talk about it, The Rest Is Football will get it first."
Shearer responded by saying: "I think the common opinion is don't f*** with Big Meeks!" Though Richards declined to comment, by saying: "No comment. I plead the fifth!"
Lineker wrapped up the discussion of the incident by clarifying: "It is not something we should trivialise because it is a serious matter and we will wait until the police investigation is done until we discuss that story further."
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