LONDON, Aug 17: Alf Inge Haaland and Manchester City confirmed Friday they would be taking legal action against Roy Keane over the tackle that may have ended the Norway international’s career.

Excerpts from Manchester United captain Keane’s autobiography suggest the Republic of Ireland midfielder deliberately intended to injure Haaland with a challenge during a derby match at Old Trafford on April 21, 2001.

Keane was sent-off for the challenge while Haaland has not started a first team match since the tackle.

A statement on City’s official website, www.mcfc.co.uk, said: “Following discussions today (Friday) at Maine Road between the football club, Alfie and his legal advisers, it has been agreed to jointly instruct a leading firm of solicitors regarding the circumstances surrounding Roy Keane’s tackle on 21st April 2001.

“This action has been taken with a view to commencing legal proceedings against Roy Keane and his employers Manchester United Football Club.”

In his autobiography Keane said his challenge on Haaland was provoked by an incident two years earlier.

“I’d waited long enough. I hit him hard. The ball was there (I think). Take that,” Keane was quoted as saying in an extract from his autobiography serialised in The Times.

“(I told him): And don’t ever stand over me again sneering about fake injuries. And tell your pal (David) Wetherall there’s some for him as well.

“I didn’t wait for Mr Elleray (the referee) to show the red card. I turned and walked to the dressing room.”—AFP