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Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane is suing bookmakers Paddy Power for mocking up a shot of him daubed in green in the style of William Wallace from hit blockbuster Braveheart.

Paddy Power's advert read: "You may take our points, but at least we have our freedom (ya wee pussies)."

It was put on the side of a 40ft truck and driven around Dublin before Ireland's 1-1 draw with Scotland at the Aviva Stadium on June 13.

The poster is believed to reference the Scottish Independence Referendum which place in September 2014. The majority of Scots voted to stay within the UK.

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The 43-year-old Republic of Ireland assistant manager has started proceedings against Paddy Power in the High Court in Dublin.

It's likely that the case will take place early next year.

Keane will be represented by A&L Goodbody while Paddy Power have got Arthur Cox to represent them.

It's believed that Keane lodged High Court papers against the company on Monday and that he is suing the company for thousands.

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A Paddy Power spokesman told the Times: "Roy Keane has taken legal action against us following his face appearing on our Braveheart billboard ahead of the Ireland-Scotland game.

"It's with the lawyers now so obviously we can't talk about it, but hopefully they won't take our freedom to have a bit of craic."

The bookmakers are known for courting controversy, the Irish Mirror reports.

Ahead of an Ireland V England friendly this year, they covered one of their branches in bubblewrap to 'yob-proof' it against possible English troublemakers.