Footballer wins claim for wrongful dismissal after car crash

Mr Keogh sustained knee ligament damage in the crash in September 2019 for which two of his teammates were charged with drink driving. Derby subsequently terminated Mr Keogh's contract for gross misconduct due to his involvement in the crash, which he appealed to the EFL.

On 11 May 2021 the EFL’s League Appeals Committee - the final stage of the EFL’s internal process - published the outcome of its decision in the proceedings. It dismissed Derby’s appeal and upheld the earlier decision of the Player Related Dispute Commission that Mr Keogh had not committed gross misconduct, that he had not brought the club into serious disrepute, and that he had been wrongfully dismissed by the club.

Mills & Reeve partner Richard Barker and associate Sam Minshall, alongside Paul Gilroy QC, represented Mr Keogh throughout proceedings, who had the full backing of the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA).

Mr Keogh said, “I’m delighted with the outcome of the case. Sam at Mills & Reeve was a brilliant help throughout, making himself available whenever I needed his advice and support.”