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MANCHESTER UNITED skipper Roy Keane came under attack from all sides last night for the horror tackle on City rival Alfie Haaland.
Keane was shown the red card in the Manchester derby for lunging in studs first above Haaland's knee in the latest clash of a four- year running battle.
Keane was given an automatic three-match ban for the dismissal, and will get an extra one-game suspension because of his disciplinary record - which means he will even miss the first game of next season.
He will also be fined two weeks' wages by United, around pounds 100,000.
And he made matters worse by hurling abuse at Haaland before leaving the field.
City were furious with Keane's tackle and initially feared for Haaland's future.
Haaland was left limping badly after the challenge and last night flew to Norway for physiotherapy. He was due to make his international comeback in midweek but fears that may now have to be put on hold. City boss Joe Royle said: "The referee didn't have a choice, These two players don't send each other Christmas cards.
"Alfie said he was lucky he had his leg in the air. Had it been on the floor we would still be looking for it.
"Roy is a terrific player but no one can condone that."
The blood-curdling tackle rekindled memories of the clash between Haaland, then with Leeds, and Keane at Elland Road in 1997.
After a match-long feud Keane kicked out at Haaland, only to tear his own knee ligaments, an injury that forced him out of football...