Gary Neville, the celebrated Manchester United icon and Sky Sports pundit, found himself at the centre of an unexpected storm as his own club's supporters turned against him during Salford City's League Two encounter with Barrow.
The former England defender, who co-owns Salford City alongside fellow Class of '92 members, faced visible dissent from the home crowd at Peninsula Stadium on Tuesday evening. Multiple protests unfolded throughout the match, with fans making their displeasure unmistakably clear.
What Sparked the Supporter Fury?
The root of the discontent appears to stem from Neville's recent controversial comments regarding Manchester United's ownership situation. The pundit had publicly advocated for fans to "stay away" from Old Trafford in protest against the Glazer family's continued control of the club.
This stance has seemingly backfired spectacularly, with Salford supporters interpreting his remarks as hypocritical given his position as owner of their club. The irony wasn't lost on the fanbase, who made their feelings known during the 0-0 draw against Barrow.
Protests Unfold During Match
Eyewitnesses reported multiple incidents of fan dissent throughout the evening:
- Vocal protests directed toward the directors' box
- Critical banners and signs displayed in the stands
- Chants questioning Neville's commitment to football ownership
The atmosphere turned particularly tense as the match progressed, with the football action taking a backseat to the growing supporter unrest.
A Complicated Relationship
This isn't the first time Neville has faced criticism from Salford City supporters. The club, which has risen dramatically through the football pyramid under the Class of '92's ownership, has sometimes struggled to balance ambitious growth with maintaining its community roots.
Many long-time supporters feel the soul of the club has been compromised in pursuit of professional success, and Neville's recent comments appear to have been the final straw for some sections of the fanbase.
The protest comes at a challenging time for Salford City, who currently sit mid-table in League Two and are striving to maintain their Football League status.
What Next for Neville and Salford?
This incident raises serious questions about the relationship between high-profile owners and their clubs' supporter bases. As Neville continues to be an outspoken voice on football matters nationally, he now faces the challenge of repairing trust with the very fans who support his own club.
The situation serves as a stark reminder that in modern football, ownership comes with responsibilities that extend far beyond financial investment - and that supporters will always have the final word.
