Roy Keane Denies Road Rage Charge Involving Taxi Driver, Set to Stand Trial

Former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane has denied claims of an alleged road rage incident involving a taxi driver, as reported by BBC News.

Even so, Kevin Palmer of the Sunday World indicates the ex-Sunderland manager has been ordered to stand trial on June 19. This court date follows a reported incident with cab driver Fateh Kerar on Jan. 30, per Palmer. BBC News indicates Keane is "accused of causing harassment, alarm or distress" to Mr Kerar. Police were called to the situation when it arose.

Although Keane decided against attending the hearing at Trafford Magistrates' Court, his representatives filed a not guilty plea to the offence. In addition to Keane and Mr Kerar attending the trial, a passenger is expected to be called as a witness.

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Keane is famous for his ruthless tackles on the pitch—none more so than the notorious challenge on Alf-Inge Haaland—and also being a fearsome coach off it.

In December, it was reported Keane "turned up on the doorstep" of Aston Villa midfielder Tom Cleverley to confront him about allegations the former Villans No. 2 left due to a "bust-up" with the squad, per The Sun (h/t Ben Curtis of the Mirror).

Keane is currently the Republic of Ireland's assistant manager, having previously held this job alongside his stint at Villa Park.

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Irish boss Martin O'Neill recently defended Keane, insisting his reputation has added to the situation, per Palmer: "It is very much because we are talking about Roy here that the matter has gone any further and I am assured that there will be no big problem here."

Ireland will hope Keane can focus on helping the nation reach Euro 2016 before the trial date, with a crunch match against Scotland arriving on June 7.