Neville RAGES After Forest Ban Him from City Ground for Chelsea Clash

By Lewis Barnett 23 May, 2025 5 mins read 92 Views

Unbelievable. Absolutely unbelievable.

In what might be the pettiest move I've seen in Premier League coverage since I started covering matches back in 2011, Gary Neville has been BANNED from the City Ground for Sunday's massive Chelsea clash. And I mean properly banned - denied accreditation and everything. All because he dared criticize Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis.

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When Thin Skin Meets Big Money

The Man United legend (who, let's be honest, isn't exactly known for holding back) took to Instagram last night to break his silence on teh whole mess. He was supposed to be co-commentating the game for Sky, only to find out Forest wouldn't even let him in the building.

"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," Neville wrote, clearly stunned by the decision.

My colleague who works at Sky texted me this morning: "Everyone's furious. Never seen anything like it." Poor Gary. Though I suspect he'll survive the trauma somehow.

What Started This Ridiculous Feud?

Cast your mind back two weeks. Forest owner Marinakis stormed onto the pitch after their match and had what looked like a proper go at manager Nuno Espirito Santo. Neville, doing what commentators are literally paid to do, called it "absolutely scandalous" on air.

Marinakis later claimed he was upset about striker Taiwo Awoniyi being forced to play while injured - which, fair enough, the player ended up in an induced coma after colliding with a post. Scary stuff.

Sky's Not Happy...

Sky Sports is standing firmly behind their man. They've completely revised their coverage plans and will now present Sunday's game from their studios in west London instead.

A spokesperson told The Sun: "This was an unprecedented and unwelcome step."

Translation: We're absolutely livid but trying to sound professional about it.

The Irony Is Too Much

Listen. I spent $150 on a Forest shirt for my nephew last Christmas. He's obsessed with them. And now I'm wondering if I should've just bought him a Chelsea kit instead.

The real kicker here is that Forest is on the verge of Champions League football - something that would've seemed impossible when they were struggling in the Championship not long ago. This should be their moment of glory! Instead, they're making headlines for... checks notes... banning a commentator because he criticized the owner.

Marinakis released this statement after the original incident: "This is natural, this is a demonstration of the passion we feel for our club." Yeah, mate. Passion. That's what we're calling it.

What Happens Sunday?

The match goes on, obviously. Forest vs Chelsea with Champions League qualification on the line. Massive stakes.

But instead of Gary Neville's insights, we'll get... someone else. Someone who presumably hasn't offended the delicate sensibilities of the Forest hierarchy.

I wonder if Roy Keane is available? Now THAT would be interesting.

Football, bloody hell. Sometimes the drama off the pitch is better than what happens on it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any specific regulations regarding equipment during competitive football matches?

To ensure the safety of players and integrity of games, many competitive football matches have specific equipment rules. The rules of the game specify standard equipment, such as jerseys and shorts with sleeves. They also stipulate socks that cover shinguards, and footwear. It is against the law to wear or use equipment that poses a risk to a player's safety or an opponent's. The rules can differ by league, and even age group.

Can socks affect a player's performance in football?

Absolutely. Football socks are made to protect and cushion the feet of players during intense games. They provide cushioning, help keep shin guards secure, reduce friction and prevent blisters. Good football socks will improve a players comfort which will in turn affect their performance.

Should I wear compression equipment when playing football

Compression gear like shorts, leggings and tops may be beneficial for players of football. These items can help improve blood circulation, reduce muscular fatigue and speed up recovery following a match or training. It's also thought that the tight fitting material helps stabilize the muscles. It is up to the individual whether they choose compression gear. Comfort should always be the first consideration when choosing this equipment.

Can I wear my athletic gear or do I have to wear football-specific apparel?

Although you can technically play football with any athletic clothing, it is recommended that you wear football-specific apparel as they are designed to improve performance and comfort. Jerseys, shorts, and other clothing are often made of lightweight and breathable materials to allow optimal airflow. This reduces overheating, sweat, and heat. The fit is also tailored to enable a full range of motion, which can improve your overall agility and response times during play.

Why do football players need to wear shinguards?

Shin guards are a mandatory piece of equipment for footballers as they provide vital protection to the lower legs, which are vulnerable to injury during tackles and collisions. They help in safeguarding the shins from serious injuries like fractures or severe bruising. Football's governing authority enforces the use of shinguards in order to improve player safety.

Statistics

Globally, the demand for lightweight football cleats has risen by about 30% in the past decade, reflecting changes in player preferences and playing styles.
Goalkeeper gloves with advanced grip technology have been adopted by 85% of professional goalkeepers in top leagues around the world.
A survey found that nearly 80% of football players believe that high-quality football socks are essential for optimal performance.
Research has indicated that around 60% of football-related ankle injuries could be mitigated with the correct choice of footwear.
Studies show that the proper use of shin guards can reduce the risk of injuries in football players by up to 70%.

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How To

How To Choose Functional and Comfortable Football Clothing

Football apparel must be functional and comfortable. Fabrics that are breathable and can wick away moisture from the skin will keep you cool. If the clothing is fitted properly, it won't restrict motion or cause irritation during play. If you live in a colder climate, choose materials that will keep you warm without compromising your mobility. The fit and design of the socks is important. They must secure the shinguards and provide sufficient cushioning without being excessively thick or restrictive. Customizing the football kit is a great way to inspire confidence in your team and boost their unity.

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