Irish midfielder Keane is pleading ‘not guilty’ after the clash he had with Bradford player, Michael Branch, a month ago.
Keane was involved in the massive 15-man brawl against Bradford that could make PNE in deep trouble with the FA.
Keane claims he acted in self-defence. He said to the Lancashire Evening Post: “He came at me with his hands, so I just put my arms up to protect myself.
“I’m not going to turn away from anything. That’s not my style. I’m just going to stand there and if he wants to hit me there’s no problem. I will take a punch if he wants to get himself sent off.
PNE now could face the rap after actions taken by players such as Keane. But he insists: "don’t feel responsible for the club getting charged, because I honesty don’t think there was anything in it.
“The FA haven’t spoke to me about it and I think when they look at it they will see there was nothing in it.”