Why Sky Sports’ Gary Neville is Banned from Attending Everton vs Newcastle United
Everton have banned Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville from attending Goodison Park against Newcastle United for the final game of the Premier League season. It’s a high-stakes fixture on Sunday as both clubs battle it out to achieve their respective goals. Newcastle United are looking to secure a top-four finish, while Everton are fighting to avoid relegation.
High-Stakes Match
“If we win, we do our job, we don’t need to pay attention to other results,” admitted Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe pre-match. “If we are not winning, we have to pay attention. We have the privilege that it depends on us. (The players) know – they are aware that it’s an important game. The most important one.”
Meanwhile, Everton boss Sean Dyche said: “In a game like this, with motivation you just don’t have to worry about that. It is already there. Players are on fire to play the game so the message is to stick to the task.”
The Reason Behind the Ban
As reported by Mike Keegan of the Daily Mail, Everton ‘have requested that the broadcaster changes its commentary team, believing there will be a hostile welcome from fans following some aggressive messaging from Neville that they feel was aimed at diminishing the club’s progress this season’. Gary Neville has received full backing from Sky Sports.
Sky Sports’ Response
It’s reported by the Daily Mail that Sky are of the belief that Everton’s decision is ‘unprecedented and unwelcome’. Sky will not have a team presenting live from Goodison Park other than their commentary team. Instead, their presenting team – which will not include Neville – will host coverage from London.
Gary Neville’s Response
In a statement via LinkedIn on Friday, Neville wrote: “I was contacted by Sky Sports earlier on in the week and told that I would be commentating at Goodison Park on Sunday for the Everton v Newcastle United match. “I was informed yesterday by Sky Sports that Everton would not give me an accreditation or access to the stadium as a co-commentator. 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 Everton 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. “I wish the coaching staff, players and fans of the club all the best in their quest to achieve their goals.”
