Football commentator Gary Neville has withdrawn from covering Nottingham Forest’s final Premier League game of the season against Chelsea after the club refused to grant him accreditation.
This decision follows Neville’s outspoken criticism of Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis, who recently entered the pitch to confront manager Nuno Espirito Santo following a 2-2 draw with Leicester City. Neville described Marinakis’s actions as “scandalous” and suggested that Espirito Santo should “negotiate his exit,” implying the owner had unfairly targeted the manager.
Forest later denied reports of a heated confrontation between Marinakis and Espirito Santo, calling them “fake news,” and explained that the owner’s frustration stemmed from the injured striker Taiwo Awoniyi continuing to play despite needing substitution.
Neville said he was informed by Sky Sports that Nottingham Forest would not provide him access to the City Ground as a co-commentator for the crucial match against Chelsea, which could determine Forest’s qualification for the Champions League next season. With no accreditation granted, Neville had no option but to step back from the broadcast. He expressed disappointment at the club’s unprecedented move, noting that in his 14 years as a commentator he had never faced such a ban.
Nottingham Forest, currently seventh in the league, must win the game to maintain a chance at Champions League qualification, while a draw or loss would likely see them settle for Europa League or Conference League football next season.