Book of evidence proves conclusive for FA
Sunday, August 11th - The first serialisation of Keane's autobiography includes vicious attacks on Jack Charlton and Mick McCarthy. Also included though is an account of his infamous tackle on Haaland in which Keane claims "I'd waited almost 180 minutes for Alfie. I'd waited long enough. I hit him hard. The ball was there (I think). Take that."
Professional Footballers' Association chief executive Gordon Taylor immediately expresses his concerns, claiming Keane has left himself wide open to an FA charge. The FA state they will wait for a full transcript of the book before deciding whether to act.
Wednesday, August 14th - United boss Alex Ferguson backs his captain, saying he "can't see anything wrong" with the book.
Friday, August 16th - Haaland and Manchester City combine to instigate legal proceedings against Keane. The Norwegian claims the tackle exacerbated a long-standing injury and intends to sue for loss of earnings.
Saturday, August 17th - Keane leads United to a 1-0 victory over West Brom at Old Trafford, then insists he "has not been affected" by the controversy over his book.
Monday, August 19th - Republic of Ireland boss McCarthy claims he has "no regrets" over his treatment of Keane during the World Cup.
Tuesday, August 20th - Former Republic team-mate Jason McAteer claims he would prefer to buy a Bob the Builder CD rather than Keane's autobiography. FA chief executive Adam Crozier insists he will not be scared to act should any case against Keane be proven.
Wednesday, August 21st - Ireland international Kenny Cunningham admits his country are a weaker team in Keane's absence.
Tuesday, August 27th - After the Champions League win over Zalaegerszegi, Ferguson denies reports Keane will be forced to undergo surgery on a troublesome hip injury within the next 24 hours. "There may be a problem further down the line," admits the United chief.
Thursday, August 29th - Keane's autobiography released in Britain.
Friday, August 30th - Keane insists he is "not bothered" about the possibility of facing an FA charge, saying he will deal with it "as and when" it arrives. He also claims there would have been "no point" doing the book if he was not going to be honest and states he is "delighted" with its contents.
Saturday, August 31st - Keane sent off for elbowing McAteer in the last minute of the 1-1 draw at Sunderland.
Sunday, September 1st - In another series of interviews, Keane insists he "has never set out to intentionally injure any opponent". However, he also said he hoped McCarthy "rots in hell". Ferguson backtracks on his belief Keane should not have been dismissed at the Stadium of Light.
Monday, September 2nd - Ferguson confirms Keane will undergo the anticipated hip operation and will be out of action for three months. Northern Irish club Linfield announce they intend to take legal action against Keane over comments in his book about the Belfast side which they claim are untrue.
Tuesday, September 3rd - United overcome Middlesbrough 1-0 at Old Trafford, after which Ferguson revises Keane's recovery time to six weeks.
Wednesday, September 4th - FA charge Keane with bringing the game into disrepute "relating to an incident" with Haaland. He has 14 days to respond.
Tuesday, September 17th - Keane given 48-hour extension to deadline to respond to FA charges.
Friday, September 20th - Keane announces he will contest both FA charges.
Friday, October 4th - Ferguson states that he expects Keane will return to training in a fortnight, with a his first match to come "within a month".
Tuesday, October 15th - Keane faces a three-man FA disciplinary tribunal at Bolton's Reebok Stadium where he is found guilty on both charges.
