Martin Keown and Ruud van Nistelrooy
Martin Keown and Ruud van Nistelrooy
Martin Keown has offered an apology to Ruud van Nistelrooy for their infamous clash at Old Trafford back in 2003, after the pair crossed paths at Leicester on Saturday.
TNT Sports pundit Keown was present at the King Power Stadium covering Leicester's Premier League game against Arsenal and interacted with new Foxes manager Van Nistelrooy before the match commenced.
The notorious incident which saw Keown and Van Nistelrooy come head-to-head occurred during an infamours fixture between Arsenal and Manchester United 22 years ago, known as the 'Battle of Old Trafford'.
Amid the intense rivalry that existed between the two teams and their legendary managers, Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsène Wenger, the goalless draw concluded with chaotic scenes following Van Nistelrooy's failed penalty attempt near the end of the game, after which he was accosted by several irate Arsenal players.
Keown was front and centre of the post-game "shenanigans", jumping beside Van Nistelrooy and colliding with his back, igniting a scuffle involving players from both sides. The incident led to charges by The Football Association against the clubs, with the even becoming a part of Premier League folklore.
Following a cordial pitchside handshake, Van Nistelrooy greeted Keown saying: "Martin are you OK? Good to see you," to which Keown replied, "Nice to see you."
Van Nistelrooy continued, "It’s been a while, eh? I have seen you once at Villa Park, you remember? " Keown then acknowledged, "Yes. Apologies for all of the shenanigans that went on back in the day."
"Eh, what happens on the pitch stays on the pitch," Van Nistelrooy insisted.
"I am happy that I have him in front of me, not at the back of me you know. It was a good rivalry, wasn’t it? " Keown concurred with a smile: "Great days, great days. I am glad you are standing there and not next to me because you used to love stamping on me."
Accepting the banter, Van Nistelrooy admitted: "I would like to block you out as well and then fall over."
However, Keown had the last laugh, referencing Leicester's current unsettling standings in the Premier League. Van Nistelrooy's Leicester side are currently 18th in the Premier League table after losing 2-0 to Arsenal this afternoon.