Roy Keane settles with Paddy Power over ‘Braveheart’ stunt

Roy Keane’s legal action against bookmakers Paddy Power over the use of the footballer’s face on a mocked up image of Braveheart prior to the Ireland Scotland European Championship qualifier has been resolved on undisclosed terms.

The action related to the use by Paddy Power Plc of a billboard featuring Roy Keane as Scottish hero William Wallace — in a still from Oscar-winning film Braveheart.

The image was allegedly placed on the side of a 40ft truck and driven around Dublin ahead of Ireland’s international soccer match against Scotland last June. The Euro 2016 qualifier finished 1-1.

The billboard contained an adapted version of a line from the film: “You may take our points, but at least we have our freedom. (Ya wee Pussies).”

In his action, Mr Keane claimed damages, including aggravated damages, alleging his image had been used without his prior knowledge or consent. He also argued his constitutional rights were breached.

The advert was couched in crude and vulgar terms towards Scottish people and made a mocking reference to the outcome of the 2014 Scottish Independence Referendum, when the electorate decided to remain within the UK, he claimed.

The former Celtic player said the tone and the content of the advert did not represent his views or amount to anything he would say even as a joke. The “disparaging” message on the billboard posters endangered and harmed his connection with Scotland, he claimed.

The Ireland assistant manager’s case was pending before the Commercial Court, the big business division of the High Court.

On Friday, Mr Justice Brian McGovern was told the dispute had been resolved to the satisfaction of both parties and could be struck out. No details of the settlement were revealed and the terms are understood to be confidential.

In his procedings, Mr Keane claimed his image was very deliberately used by Paddy Power, which he alleged is renowned for its controversial approach to marketing, for its commercial benefit as part of its advertising campaign centered on the Ireland-Scotland game. It was claimed Mr Keane’s image was central to the poster campaign, given his high profile.

He claimed the use of his image in the advert was designed to give the impression to the public there was a connection between Mr Keane and the defendant’s business.

The use of the image constituted “a serious and flagrant misrepresentation and a misuse of the substantial and valuable goodwill enjoyed by Mr Keane in his name, image, likeliness and professional reputation”, it was claimed.