Martin Keown apologises to Ruud van Nistelrooy – 22 years after infamous bust-up

The Arsenal legend and former Manchester United striker caught up before Leicester’s 2-0 defeat to the Gunners on Saturday, where Keown was working for TNT Sports and Van Nistelrooy was managing the Foxes

Martin Keown apologised to Ruud van Nistelrooy on Saturday – 22 years after their notorious clash at Old Trafford in 2003.

Keown was at the King Power Stadium in his role as a pundit for TNT Sports for Leicester’s Premier League clash with Arsenal – where the Gunners ran out 2-0 winners. He duly caught up with Foxes boss Van Nistelrooy ahead of kick-off.

Infamously, Keown and Van Nistelrooy came to blows during a memorable encounter between the Gunners and Manchester United in a game since labelled the ‘Battle of Old Trafford’, at the peak of the rivalry between the two clubs and their respective managers Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger.

That day, a goalless draw finished in ugly scenes as Van Nistelrooy missed a penalty late on, with the Dutchman subsequently confronted by a raft of angry Arsenal players at the final whistle.

Keown led the full-time “shenanigans” when he jumped up next to Van Nistelrooy and barged into his back which sparked a melee between both sets of players. The Football Association subsequently charged both clubs with the incident etched into the history books.

“Martin are you OK? Good to see you,” Van Nistelrooy said after the pair had a friendly handshake pitchside. Keown responded: “Nice to see you.”

Van Nistelrooy added: “It’s been a while eh? I have seen you once at Villa Park, you remember?”

Keown said: “Yes. Apologies for all of the shenanigans that went on back in the day.”

Van Nistelrooy brushed off the 2003 incident before the pair reflected on the “good rivalry” with an exchange of tactics from their famed grudge.

“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 agreed: “Great days, great days. I am glad you are standing there and not next to me because you used to love stamping on me.”

Van Nistelrooy admitted: “I would like to block you out as well and then fall over.”

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