Roy Keane was assaulted by a fan inside The Emirates Stadium as he made his way to do his post-match duties for Sky Sports.
The 52-year-old was confronted by a male in a foyer as he was waiting to get into a lift to take him from the top of a stand down to pitch side.
Mail Sport understands the male aimed a head butt at Keane and hit the Irishman on the chest and chin but was prevented from inflicting serious physical damage.
Footage circulating on social media shows Keane’s colleague Micah Richards grappling with a man to restrain him but he had left the vicinity before security guards were able to arrive.