Cesc Fabregas has joked that Roy Keane was 'lucky' not to be involved in the infamous 2004 Manchester United vs Arsenal 'Pizzagate' affair.
United won a feisty affair at Old Trafford that October day, ending Arsenal's 49-game unbeaten run thanks to goals from Ruud Van Nistelrooy and Wayne Rooney. But the clash was somewhat overshadowed by tensions boiling over on the pitch and into the tunnel after full-time.
As players headed back into their respective changing rooms, tempers flared and a brawl broke out between both sides. Within the melee, a slice of pizza was flung at Sir Alex Ferguson, allegedly by Fabregas - he has admitted as such in the years that followed - in a now infamous Premier League incident.
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Speaking ahead of Sunday's meeting - arguably one of the biggest since then, with both sets of eyes on the Premier League title race - the former Gunners midfielder spoke of his love for the pair's previous meetings, and even dared to aim a cheeky dig at fellow pundit Keane.
"Playing against Man United for me was one of the games of the season," Fabregas told Sky Sports. "Playing at Old Trafford against Gary [Neville], against Roy [Keane], it was always very special. Especially those years, I believe if it’s not because of a great Manchester United side we would have won the league.
"That’s why I am curious to see how the Arsenal team will react today because in 2007, 2008 we were in a similar situation but when we got to February, March, we slowed down a little bit and we couldn’t catch them. If they win today it will be a big statement."
Asked to look back on the 'Pizzagate' incident, the midfielder admitted: "That one was very special for another reason but I already said what I have to say about this. I still feel a little bit embarrassed to talk about this."
Keane missed that game after picking up a virus during the week, and the former Reds midfield enforcer told Fabregas he was 'very fortunate' not to have come up against him.
To which the ex-Arsenal man joked: "Or maybe you were fortunate you did not get a pizza."
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