Roy Keane trial: Ex Manchester United captain cleared of threatening taxi driver in Altringham

Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane has been found not guilty of road rage at Manchester Magistrates' Court.

Magistrate Duncan Birrell said the prosecution "failed to discharge their burden". He added: "Therefore I find you not guilty."

Keane, the Republic of Ireland assistant manager, denied he was aggressive towards taxi driver Fateh Kerar, 44, near traffic lights in Altrincham, Cheshire, on 30 January.

The 43-year-old former football hardman previously pleaded not guilty to the allegation of causing harassment, alarm or distress to Kerar – a Section 4A Public Order offence.

During the hearing, the court heard how Keane was told to "cheer up" by the cabbie after the TV pundit allegedly opened his car door and began shouting.

Kerar said Keane, who alongside his wife was on his way to buy dog food, "kept staring at me" and was "giving me bad looks."

He claimed Keane followed him and a passenger who was in the taxi before jumping out of his car while they were stuck in traffic and "shouting and swearing".

Giving evidence, Keane joked that after his playing career was up he "attempted management" and said he was mocked by Kerar, who have him a two-fingered gesture and made a smile by pushing the edges of his mouth up.

The ex-footballer admitted he then got out of the car said "what's your problem?" before returning to his car and swearing about the incident.

He did not, magistrates heard, "lose control" and said he was more confused than angry.