In July, Sky apologized to Nottingham Forest after Gary Neville described the club’s statement as “like a mafia-gang” during Super Sunday on April 21, following a 2-0 defeat to Everton.
Sky issued a response stating they had “addressed the language used with Gary and its potential to offend,” and that “Gary has committed to avoiding similar expressions in future broadcasts.”
More recently, Neville found himself in controversy again, this time involving Liverpool. An article in the *Telegraph* discussed Liverpool’s search for a new manager, noting only a “brief and polite inquiry” between Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes and Xabi Alonso’s representative, Inaki Ibanez, regarding the possibility of Alonso returning.
Arne Slot was ultimately the only candidate offered the Liverpool job, signing a contract through June 2027. However, Neville asserted on Sky that Slot was “third choice” behind Alonso and Ruben Amorim, who is set to become Manchester United’s new manager on November 11.
Since Neville’s claim was incorrect, it was reported that Liverpool briefly considered asking for a public retraction. Under Slot’s leadership, Liverpool have experienced a positive shift, currently topping the Premier League by two points after ten matches.
The 46-year-old is set to face Xabi Alonso and Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League at Anfield on Tuesday night, with Slot urging his team to perform at their peak.
“Xabi was an outstanding player, and he’s proving to be just as effective as a manager,” Slot wrote in his matchday programme.
“I want to extend a warm welcome to him back at Anfield, and I’m sure the whole stadium feels the same. However, we all understand there will be no room for sentiment from him, and that means we must adopt the same mindset.
“The best way to show respect to any former player is to perform at our highest level—no concessions, no mercy.”
