Manchester United fan goes in on Arsenal legend Martin Keown for views on Andy Robertson and linesman ‘elbow’

Martin Keown found himself in a heated exchange with a Manchester United fan who reminded him of his past misdemeanours.

Keown was discussing the FA’s decision not to punish an assistant referee and Liverpool defender Andy Robertson in the wake of their clash during the Reds’ 2-2 draw with Arsenal.

After an investigation by PGMOL, it was decided that no further action would be taken against Constantine Hatzidakis who appeared to elbow Robertson as half time approached.

Whilst many believe the FA made the correct call, Keown made his contrasting feelings known.

“I don’t believe the FA dealt with it correctly. Nobody really is above the law and that includes the officials,” Keown told talkSPORT.

“We have to be obedient to the law. The referee and linesman, they know if they react in that way there could be a level of trouble here.

“I don’t want to see a witch hunt and the assistant ending up in real hot water but I would have thought it would have been right and proper to have officially taken him out for two or three matches.

“I don’t think they’ve acted in the right way,” he added. “It doesn’t matter who you are, you have to be on the right side of the law and I don’t believe that he is in this instance. I understand he’s [Hatzidakis] a really nice guy, I actually feel he’s a top linesman.

“Robertson was completely out of order in all of this but he can’t react, because then he’s as bad as the players.”

Cue Manchester United fan, Ben, who called into the show to question Keown’s view.

“You want him banned and reprimanded for three games, for what?,” Ben asked Keown.

“An investigation has taken place. He’s done nothing wrong. You want a guy to be reprimanded for a natural reaction.”

He continued: “Also Martin, you said about not being above the law, we should all abide by it and set an example to grass roots football. Do you feel you set an example to grass roots football?”

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The former Arsenal defender quickly interrupted the caller, replying: “This isn’t about me, don’t turn this to me, this is about the assistant referee.

“You think that’s a natural reaction to throw your arm back into someone’s face? Do you think that’s normal?”

Armed with ammunition, Ben reminded Keown of his past conduct with former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, in the infamous ‘Battle of Old Trafford’ in 2003.

“Do you think what you did to Van Nistelrooy was normal?,” the caller cheekily responded.

His response appeared to visibly irk Keown who fired back at him.

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“Oh here we go,” said Keown. “We’ve got a Manchester United fan who wants to take it all the way back twenty years.

Keown famously jumped in front of Van Nistelrooy in an aggressive manner after the Dutchman’s late penalty miss in a tense goalless draw.

It appears some United fans have not forgotten about Keown’s conduct on that day…