Gary Neville: I Was Abused Outside Anfield After Liverpool’s Title Win
Liverpool were crowned Premier League champions, a moment of joy for Reds supporters—but one that didn’t sit well with Manchester United fans, including Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville.
As part of the broadcast team, the 50-year-old had to watch on as Liverpool claimed their record-equalling 20th league title. Footage later showed Neville making a quick exit from Anfield, and he’s since shared what unfolded afterward.
Speaking on the podcast It’s Called Soccer, Neville explained:
“At the end of the game, I usually record a podcast, but I decided midway through that I wouldn’t. Things were getting a bit intense in the commentary area.”
He continued, “As soon as the final whistle went, I grabbed my backpack and left with the security guard. Peter Drury usually hands over to me for commentary, but they agreed I didn’t have to speak this time.”
“We made a dash for it and managed to get out into the concourse ahead of the crowd. But outside the stadium, I didn’t expect the chaos. I was met with abuse and ended up snapping. The fans were in high spirits, and when they saw me, they let loose.”
Neville added that on his way home via the M60, another incident nearly pushed him to his breaking point: “I’ve never been aggressive in my life, but I came close. The last half hour after the game was rough—it felt like something from a different era.”
Though he didn’t go into detail about the abuse, it’s likely it mirrored the sort of provocation he himself has dished out over the years—like his infamous celebration in front of Liverpool fans nearly two decades ago.
While no one deserves physical or verbal abuse at a football match, it’s worth remembering that Neville himself once described the rivalry as “good-natured ribbing,” even admitting to calling a Liverpool fan a “fat little tw*t.”
Neville has often been critical of Liverpool and, after previously expressing hope that Crystal Palace would beat Arsenal to delay Liverpool’s celebrations, watching his club’s historic record matched must have been a bitter pill to swallow. But perhaps, had the roles been reversed, he might have enjoyed spoiling the party just as much.