Roy Keane has reluctantly decided pay the £150,000 fine and serve a five-match ban imposed by the English FA - but remains tight-lipped over his international future.

In accepting the punishment imposed against him over comments relating to his infamous tackle on Manchester City midfielder Alfie Haaland in his recently-published autobiography, his instinct was to carry on the fight in the hope of clearing his name.

However, after discussions with his family, legal advisors and club officials, the former Nottingham Forest star has been persuaded of the futility of an on-going battle and decided to let the matter rest.

In a statement issued yesterday, Keane declared: "I believe that the charges brought against me by the Football Association were not justified," declared Keane.

"I feel that the evidence and arguments put forward by me and my legal representatives to the disciplinary committee were sufficiently strong. Accordingly, I would prefer to have this matter reviewed by way of an appeal.

"However, I consider that I must put the interests of Manchester United Football Club and my family before my own, and for that reason, I have decided not to pursue an appeal against the decision of the Football Association disciplinary commission."

But there was still no indication whether Keane - in Cork yesterday to sign copies of his autobiography - was considering a U-turn on his decision to quit the Ireland set-up following his World Cup bust-up with Mick McCarthy.

It is likely he will keep his counsel until McCarthy's successor is announced.

Although there is no suggestion that United have bullied their skipper into yesterday's announcement, which came ahead of today's appeal deadline, it should calm the atmosphere slightly ahead of tomorrow's Maine Road Manchester derby.