It’s no secret that certain commentators have certain allegiances. Most of the time it’s allowed to pass uncommented on, but there will inevitably be occasions when that is not the case.
Gary Neville is considered by many to be among the best mainstream commentators currently working in English football. At the same time, however, he is a former Manchester United club captain, who has an undoubted fondness for the Red Devils.
Normally that’s fine, but there are rare occasions when you’re readily reminded of Neville’s past. For example, when he was chosen to co-commentate on United’s EFL Cup final against Southampton.
The flashpoint came late on in the first half, when Saints defender Jack Stephens let the ball run away from him and caught Anthony Martial.
40' – A late challenge from Jack Stephens on Anthony Martial earns the Southampton defender a yellow card. #MUFC #EFLCup
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 26, 2017
Stephens was booked for the challenge, but from the reaction of the former Valencia manager you’d think that was a very lenient punishment indeed.
Neville eventually backtracked on his initial reaction, but by then the damage was done.
Gary Neville is such a mug
— lewis (@lewinick) February 26, 2017
Gary Neville's fast becoming a joke.
— Huw Davies (@thehuwdavies) February 26, 2017
Gary Neville wants Jack Stephens arrested for that tackle.
— David (@DavidHickman87) February 26, 2017
https://twitter.com/ed_son/status/835900357909876738
https://twitter.com/TintinnyTins/status/835900491540402176
https://twitter.com/ghostbiggie/status/835900512830636035
https://twitter.com/DavGaddu/status/835905649338904576
Ultimately, the decision from referee Andre Marriner to show Stephens a yellow card rather than a red didn’t stop United from claiming victory, though they were run close.
Southampton were 2-0 down at the time of the incident but drew level through a Manolo Gabbiadini double, only for Zlatan Ibrahimović to head home a late winner.
