SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
Former Republic of Ireland and Manchester United captain Roy Keane has sued Paddy Power over infringement of his image rights, with regards to a billboard run in Dublin by the operator during last month’s Ireland vs Scotland UEFA Euro 2016 international qualifier.
The billboard which depicted Roy Keane as 1995’s Oscar winning film character William ‘Braveheart’ Wallace (character played by actor Mel Gibson) was placed on the side of a 40 foot truck and driven around Dublin City centre and the Aviva National Stadium.
Referencing this year’s Scottish Referendum, the billboard displayed the following message for Scottish fans: “You may take our points – but at least we have our freedom… (Ya wee pussies)”.
Irish news sources have reported that Roy Keane has begun court proceedings against the bookmaker, and he is represented by Irish law firm A&L Goodbody.
Paddy Power have engaged Arthur Cox to represent them. A Spokesperson for the firm Paddy Power said: “Roy Keane has taken legal action against us following his face appearing on our Braveheart billboard ahead of the Ireland-Scotland game. The former Manchester United player is said to be seeking €100,000 in compensation for breaching his image rights
“It’s with the lawyers now so obviously we can’t talk about it, but hopefully they won’t take our freedom to have a bit of craic.”
