Micah Richards 'grappled' with man accused of headbutting Roy Keane, court told

Micah Richards "grappled with" and "tried to restrain" a man who is accused of headbutting his punditry partner Roy Keane, the former Manchester City footballer has told a court.

Scott Law, 43, denies common assault against Mr Keane relating to an incident inside Arsenal's Emirates Stadium on September 3 last year following the Gunners 3-1 victory over Manchester United.

Mr Keane, who was working as a pundit for Sky Sports, was allegedly headbutted through doors by Law, of Waltham Abbey, Essex.

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Mr Richards told Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court on Friday morning that he was in "disbelief" about the incident, adding that he "felt sorry" for the former United midfielder Keane, who he described as a friend.

The ex-England international said "you wouldn't get sent off" for CCTV footage, shown in court, that Law's defence team alleged showed Mr Keane elbowing the defendant in the face.

Mr Richards also denied accusations by Law's defence barrister that he had claimed to see the headbutt because he was "Roy's mate" and had become the ex-Ireland international's "stooge" and "puppy".

Wearing a dark navy double-breasted suit with a black shirt and tie, Mr Richards told the court: "I felt sorry for Roy. Just because of the fact you've come to work, to do your job and you've been assaulted."

"I could see he was physically shaken up. You do what any friend would do, or any colleague, step in and try to help the situation." He added: "It was a surreal moment. We weren't going to a UFC match. We were at work."

Following the match last year, footage was widely shared on social media of the former Aston Villa