“At this club we have a very big reputation of doing things the right way and I think that we were all intoxicated in those last few moments of the game. We’ve been hammered for it ever since.”

In the mêlée at Old Trafford, Keown appeared to strike Ruud van Nistelrooy with his forearm as he approached the United striker from behind. He has been charged with improper conduct and violent conduct by the FA and five of his team-mates also face lengthy suspensions when the cases are heard later this year. “I’ve lived my life on and off the field in a proper way,” Keown said. “You can look and see what I do off the field and you won’t find anything. Generally, I do my job on the pitch to a high standard. Generally in my career, I’ve been a good role model for the younger players.

“What happened at Old Trafford was not brilliant, but I think my record is there for everyone to see.”

The facts tend to differ from Keown’s claims. He has received six red cards while playing under Arsène Wenger and has also faced two previous misconduct charges from the FA. Only Patrick Vieira, with nine dismissals under Wenger in the past seven years, has been sent off on more occasions.