Gary Neville Parties in French Alps Amid Silence on Ratcliffe's Migrant Comments
The former Manchester United and England defender Gary Neville has been spotted partying into the early hours at an exclusive French ski resort club, while maintaining complete silence regarding controversial immigration remarks made by Manchester United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe.
Luxury Celebrations in Val-d'Isère
The 50-year-old football pundit and property mogul danced with fans and celebrated without apparent concern during a five-hour drinking session at the upscale Cocorico club in Val-d'Isère, located in the French Alps. Neville, who earns approximately £1.1 million annually as a Sky Sports analyst, was seen sipping £130 champagne bottles while posing with fellow revellers in the venue's VIP section.
Witnesses reported that Neville appeared "extremely jolly and jovial" throughout the evening, putting his arm around people and chatting freely with other partygoers. One attendee told the Daily Mail: "He looked like he didn't have a care in the world. He was definitely making the most of the club."
Stage Performances and Political Silence
During the celebrations, Neville donned a cowboy hat and took to the stage with rock band Queens of the Snow Stage, delivering enthusiastic renditions of Bon Jovi's "Livin' on a Prayer" and Oasis' "She's Electric." The former defender, who has an estimated £100 million portfolio, appeared completely removed from political controversies brewing back in Britain.
This carefree attitude stands in stark contrast to Neville's usual outspoken political stance. The Labour supporter, frequently labelled a "champagne socialist" for his left-wing commentary while living a luxurious lifestyle, has remained conspicuously silent regarding Ratcliffe's inflammatory comments about immigration.
Ratcliffe's Controversial Remarks
Manchester United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe sparked widespread outrage this week by asserting that Britain has been "colonised by migrants" who are "costing too much money." The billionaire businessman, who has met with Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, made these remarks during a media interview where he compared running the country to managing Manchester United.
Ratcliffe stated: "If you really want to deal with the major issues of immigration, with people opting to take benefits rather than working for a living, then you're going to have to do some things which are unpopular, and show some courage." He later apologised for "offending some people" but maintained that "open debate" on immigration was necessary.
Political Reactions and Neville's History
Labour leader Keir Starmer, who shared a stage with Neville at the 2022 Labour conference, called Ratcliffe's remarks "offensive and wrong" and demanded an apology. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who has worked closely with Manchester United on stadium plans, described the comments as "inaccurate, insulting and inflammatory."
Neville's silence is particularly notable given his history of political engagement. The football pundit previously accused former Prime Minister Boris Johnson of fuelling racism through his language on migration limits. Additionally, Neville faced significant backlash last year when he ordered builders to remove a Union Jack flag from his construction site, blaming "angry middle-aged white men" for creating division.
Property Ventures and Political Positioning
Since retiring from professional football in 2011, Neville has reinvented himself as a property developer, charging premium rents at his St Michael's office development in central Manchester. Despite describing himself as "a capitalist" and "entrepreneurial businessman who likes to make a profit," he continues to face accusations of hypocrisy for combining left-wing political sermons with a lavish lifestyle.
Neville's Alpine getaway occurred as Salford City, the football club he co-owns, faced Manchester City in the FA Cup. Witnesses at the Cocorico club noted that the former England international appeared "a world away from all the politics going on back home" as he caroused at the high-end venue where pints cost upwards of £8.
The Manchester United dressing room has reportedly expressed alarm over Ratcliffe's comments, while fans have led condemnation of the co-owner's statements. Billboards protesting the remarks have appeared outside Old Trafford, highlighting the growing controversy surrounding the club's leadership.
