F**KIN GOBSH*TES
Manchester City have dropped their threat to sue Roy Keane and neighbours United over the Old Trafford skipper’s horror tackle on Alfie Haaland. And the Blues have served notice on Haaland who will now leave the club next August.
The Blues have spent six months taking legal advice on the delicate and complex matter and have now decided against taking their case through the courts.
City, who had been prepared to back Haaland all the way had the advice been different, will now wait to see whether their 30-year-old former captain decides on personal legal proceedings against the Reds captain.
“Some time ago Alfie Haaland and Manchester City announced that they were investigating the possibility of bringing proceedings arising out of Roy Keane’s tackle on Alfie Haaland in the derby game of April 21st 2001.
“The clearest advice from leading counsel was that Roy Keane's tackle and subsequent autobiography provided very strong evidence for the basis of a claim, both by the player and the club against Roy Keane and Manchester United.
“However before proceedings could be commenced it was necessary to establish the nature of the damage caused by the tackle.
“The necessary medical and consequential legal advice has been received and carefully reviewed. The conclusion is that it would be difficult for Manchester City to take action on medical grounds.
“For this reason Manchester City will not be pursuing any legal action arising out of the tackle on April 21.
“Alfie Haaland is continuing to take legal advice on his claim in view of the differing issues and burden of proof.
“Manchester City emphasise their disappointment at the sentiments expressed by Roy Keane regarding Alfie Haaland in his autobiography."
Haaland’s whole career must now hang in the balance. He has played only 48 minutes football since the infamous, x-rated April 2001 derby day tackle.
"I have discussed it with Alfie and it was not an easy conversation," said the City chairman David Bernstein. "The whole thing has been incredibly sad. Alfie worked very, very hard to get himself fit and this decision has not been arrived at easily. My colleagues and I have agonised over this decision but I believe we have allowed sufficient time to pass."
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