Martin Keown met Ruud van Nistelrooy before Leicester's clash with Arsenal
The ex-England defender apologised for his antics in the 'Battle of Old Trafford'
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By YASEEN ZAMAN
Published: 08:42 EST, 15 February 2025 | Updated: 08:46 EST, 15 February 2025
Martin Keown issued an apology to Ruud van Nistelrooy for his 'shenanigans' at the 'Battle of Old Trafford' in 2003, ahead of Arsenal's game against Leicester on Saturday afternoon.
The former rivals were famously involved in an incident in September 2003, in a game between Man United and Arsenal, where Keown was fined for striking Van Nistelrooy in the back at full-time.
The Gunners were second in the Premier League table, holding an unbeaten record that stretched back to the end of the previous season, while United sat behind them in third.
The affair reached its boiling point when the Red Devils were awarded a last-minute penalty after Keown fouled Diego Forlan. After Van Nistelrooy missed the spot-kick, Keown jumped towards him, laughing in his face.
But, over 20 years on from the iconic event, Keown and Van Nistelrooy attempted to bury the hatchet on live television. The two exchanged pleasantries before awkwardly reminiscing on the events of that game.
'Good to see you,' said Van Nistelrooy, smiling as he extended his arm for a handshake.
Martin Keown apologised to Ruud van Nistelrooy for his antics in the 'Battle of Old Trafford'
The Arsenal defender was fined for his animated taunts towards Van Nistelrooy at full-time
The Dutchman missed a last-minute penalty for Manchester United, much to Keown's joy
'Nice to see you after all these years,' Keown replied. 'Apologies for all of the shenanigans that went on back in the day.'
Van Nistelrooy was in good spirits and insisted that any antics from the duo's playing days should be left in the past.
'What happens on the pitch stays on the pitch. I'm happy that I have him in front of me and not at the back of me. It was a good rivalry wasn't it?' the Leicester boss asked Keown.
'Oh, great days. I'm glad you're standing there and not next to me because you used to love to stamp on me,' the former Arsenal centre back jokingly replied.
'I would like to block you out as well and then fall over,' chuckled Van Nistelrooy.
Tensions during the 'Battle of Old Trafford' were fuelled by an incident earlier in the match, when Van Nistelrooy clashed with Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira, leading to the Frenchman receiving a second yellow card and being sent off.
Arsenal players felt Van Nistelrooy exaggerated the contact, as Vieira kicked out at him but did not actually make any contact.
After Van Nistelrooy missed his penalty, Keown was first to confront him, and was part of a flock of Arsenal players to taunt him after the full-time whistle.
Keown surrounded Van Nistelrooy at full-time to taunt him, joined by multiple Arsenal players
Van Nistelrooy walked off the pitch and offered no reaction, although the situation escalated
Over 20 years on from the incident, they buried the hatchet and reminisced on their old rivalry
Lauren, Ray Parlour, Ashley Cole and Kolo Toure all joined the ex-England defender in surrounding Van Nistelrooy.
Keown jumped at Van Nistelrooy and appeared to strike the Dutchman in the back with his forearm. Lauren pushed Van Nistelrooy, while Parlour and Cole both offered verbal abuse and also shoved him.
The United frontman did not react to the chaos and simply walked away, but the situation escalated as players from both teams clashed.
The melee resulted in multiple bans and fines; Keown received a three-match ban and a £20,000 fine.
Lauren got four matches and had to cough up £40,000, while Parlour and Vieira were also charged with improper conduct.
Arsenal as a club were fined £175,000 for 'failing to ensure the proper behaviour of their players'.
Ultimately, the fee was a miniscule financial setback, as the Gunners went on to be crowned Premier League champions as the 'Invincibles' in 2003-04, notching £17.25million in prize money.