Gary Neville Photo: photosport
Football commentator Gary Neville has withdrawn from coverage of the English Premier League game between Nottingham Forest and Chelsea on the final day of the season, with Forest refusing to accredit him, after his criticism of the club's owner.
The former England international criticised Evangelos Marinakis, when the Forest owner came onto the pitch and expressed his frustrations, after a draw with Leicester City, as he could not understand why the injured Taiwo Awoniyi was not substituted.
Neville described the owner's remonstration as "scandalous", adding that Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo should "negotiate his exit", after it appeared Marinakis had taken out his frustrations on the Portuguese manager.
Forest later dismissed reports of the heated confrontation between Marinakis and Espirito Santo as fake news.
Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis stormed onto the pitch after a draw against Leicester City. Photo: photosport
Neville was told he would commentate at the City Ground on Sunday, when Forest face Chelsea in a match that could decide if they play in the European Champions League next season.
"I was informed yesterday by Sky Sports that Nottingham Forest would not give me an accreditation or access to the stadium as a co-commentator," he said. "I've had no choice but to withdraw from the coverage.
"I've dished out my fair share of criticism and praise in the last 14 years of doing this job, and have never come close to this unprecedented action.
"Personally, I think it's disappointing that a great club like Nottingham Forest have been reduced to making such a decision.
"Whilst they have every right to choose who they let into their own stadium, it's symptomatic of things that have happened over the last 12 months with the club."
Inspired by 20 goals this season from New Zealand striker Chris Wood, seventh-placed Forest must win to stand a chance of qualifying for the Champions League.
A draw or a loss would only be good enough to get into the Europa League or Conference League.
- Reuters
