Featured Image Credit: The Overlap US
Topics: Gary Neville, Premier League
Ryan Smart
Gary Neville has released a lengthy statement after it was reported that Nottingham Forest had requested to ban him from their ground for the final day of the Premier League season.
The Daily Mail reported on Friday that Forest had written a formal complaint to Sky Sports about Neville and did not want the Manchester United legend to attend the City Ground for their last-day fixture against Chelsea.
Their action follows previous comments made by Neville surrounding the actions of the club and owner Evangelos Marinakis.
Sky are said to have described the situation as 'unprecedented and unwelcome' and will now present from their London headquarters rather than at the City Ground.
Advert
The Daily Mail report added that Neville had withdrawn from commentary duties for Sunday's crucial clash, with an alternative commentary team set to be appointed.
He has now released a statement on the matter, confirming that Forest had indeed decided not to grant him access to the stadium and that he had 'no choice' but to withdraw from coverage.
He wrote on Instagram: "I was contacted by Sky Sports earlier on in the week and told that I would be commentating at the City Ground on Sunday for the Nottingham Forest v Chelsea match.
"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. I’ve had no choice but to withdraw from the coverage.
Advert
"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.
Advert
"I wish the coaching staff, players and fans of the club all the best in their quest to achieve Champions League football."