Sky Sports' Gary Neville sack decision revealed, following 'angry white man' comments

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Gary Neville has been the subject of an online backlash after comments he made in the wake of the Manchester synagogue attack

Sky Sports commentator and pundit Gary Neville
Sky Sports commentator and pundit Gary Neville (Image credit: Getty Images)

Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville will not face any disciplinary action after comments he made following the recent Manchester synagogue attack.

The former Manchester United defender posted a three-minute video on his social media account last week, insisting that hatred and division in the United Kingdom is being fuelled by 'angry white men'.

Neville has been heavily criticised for doing so by members of the public and MPs, with some suggesting he should be sacked by Sky for doing so.

Gary Neville will not lose job at Sky Sports after social media video goes viral

Gary Neville has regularly been a huge supporter of the Labour Party

Gary Neville has regularly been a huge supporter of the Labour Party (Image credit: UA92)

According to the Daily Mail, Neville's statements are not expected to prompt disciplinary measures for violating Sky Sports' social media policies.

The broadcaster's guidelines state: "Talent and contributors should be aware that social media communities are public forums and should not undertake activity that brings either their programme or Sky into disrepute."

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer speaks with Former England football player Gary Neville on day two of the Labour Party Conference at the ACC on September 26, 2022 in Liverpool, England The Labour Party hold their annual conference in Liverpool this year. Issues on the agenda are the cost of living crisis, including a call for a reinforced windfall tax, proportional representation and action on the climate crisis. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

Sir Keir Starmer and Gary Neville at the Labour Party Conference (Image credit: Getty Images)

Following his remarks posted online, Neville resumed regular duties on Sky Sports, which included coverage of Chelsea's dramatic win over Liverpool and Manchester City's victory against Brentford.

The former Manchester United captain claimed that political polarisation was being fuelled by "angry middle-aged white men", and criticised the display of Union Jack flags.

Flags and banners have since been erected at Old Trafford and at Hotel Football, which Neville owns.

Protests were also seen at Salford City's EFL Trophy game with Stockport County, with sections of supporters unhappy with his comments.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 19: Gary Neville presenting for Sky Sports ahead of the Premier League match between Manchester City and West Ham United at Etihad Stadium on May 19, 2024 in Manchester, England.(Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)

Gary Neville presenting for Sky Sports ahead of a Premier League match between Manchester City and West Ham United (Image credit: Getty Images)

"Seeing the news last night and the news this morning dominated by the horrific attacks within the Jewish community just a mile from here," said Neville in the video.

"When I was driving to Salford City last night, going down Littleton Road, seeing probably 50 or 60 Union Jack flags. And on the way back I went down the parallel road, Bury New Road, which has got the Jewish community right at its heart, and they're out on the streets, defiant, not hiding or in fear.

"And I just kept thinking as I was driving home last night that we're all being turned on each other and the division that's being created is absolutely disgusting. Mainly created by angry middle-aged white men who know exactly what they're doing.

"Funnily enough on one of my development sites last week there was a Union Jack flag put up and I took it down instantly."

Neville added: "The Union Jack flag used in a negative fashion is not right and I'm a proud supporter of England, of Great Britain, of our country and will champion it anywhere in the world as one of the greatest places to live."

Matthew Holt
Matthew Holt

Matthew Holt writes freelance for FourFourTwo, amongst others, and boasts previous experience at GOAL and SPORTBible. He now works with us alongside his time at Manchester United and Reach PLC, aiding with online content for the website. Career highs include working at the FA Cup final, as well as scoring at Old Trafford in front of the Stretford End. A long-term sufferer of his beloved Scunthorpe United, he is often seen on the padel court, as well as occasionally as a six-a-side call-up.

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