Revealed: How Premier League and TV broadcasters will further protect pundits amid fears ‘it is only a matter of time’ before ex-pro is attacked following Roy Keane altercation with Ipswich fan

A protective ‘ring of steel’ will be deployed around pundits on football pitches as cases of fan abuse rise.

Mail Sport understands that – following high-level discussions between broadcasters, the Premier League and clubs – security staff will be placed in front of portals in areas where they are placed close to public areas.

The move comes amid insider concerns that it is “only a matter of time” until an expert is physically attacked. There has been a series of incidents in recent times where experts have been singled out for verbal and physical abuse.

Following Manchester United’s 1-1 draw with Ipswich, Roy Keane, who managed the home side, was under constant scrutiny as he worked on the pitch. Keane eventually confronted a group of fans and offered to meet one in the parking lot.

Keane had already been the subject of an attack last season in which he was headbutted in an Arsenal business area.

A week after the Ipswich incident, Keane’s former United teammate Gary Neville was picked at Liverpool, where a fan persistently branded him a ‘Manc c***’. Images of that incident were posted on social media.

Sky Sports pundit Roy Keane (centre) had a verbal exchange with an Ipswich fan last month

Keane was attacked by an Arsenal supporter during a match last season

Neville will return to Anfield early next month, where United will face league leaders Arne Slot.

Officials believe the growth of social media has emboldened certain fans who see the presence of experts around as an opportunity to make a name for themselves by posting videos of abuse and trying to provoke a response.

There is a view that clubs where portals are located among supporters – rather than high above them – can do more to tackle those involved.

Following discussions between the league, clubs and broadcasters, it has been agreed that stewards will be close to the risk portals and will take action if it appears that someone has crossed the line. It is hoped that any subsequent penalties will act as a powerful deterrent. Those involved will be identified and their season tickets may be confiscated. In the worst case, witness statements could support criminal proceedings.

Mail Sport revealed last year that bodyguards have been called in for certain matches following the Keane incident in the Emirates, which saw one man handed a three-year ban and ordered to do 80 hours of unpaid work in what the court said was punishment. ‘gratuitous and senseless act of violence’.

Sky conducts risk assessments before each match to assess the need for security staff to escort experts through public areas.