RICHARD KEYS virtually accused Gary Nevile of “instigating riots” as he blasted the Old Trafford legend’s defence of Manchester United fans.
Sky Sports pundit Neville described protests and a pitch invasion, causing the postponement of Sunday’s home clash with Liverpool, as “reasonably peaceful” and a “warning” to United owners the Glazers.
But ex-Sky presenter Keys claimed fans’ behaviour was a violent “riot” in frustration at United failing to challenge for the main honours and NOT about the Glazers’ secret plotting for a European Super League.
The beIN Sports host also insisted Neville and other pundits should stick to talking about football, rather than discuss club ownership.
Keys wrote on his personal website: “Plainly no-one at your primary employer has got the courage to say anything to you – so let me.
“It really is none of my business who owns Manchester United, Arsenal, Valencia, Salford or Sheffield.
“With the exception of Salford, nor is it yours. Nor is it Jamie Carragher’s, Rio Ferdinand’s, Jake Humphrey’s or Gary Lineker’s.
“Our job is simple and privileged. Our job is to call football matches. It is not our job to instigate riots.
“And make no mistake, what happened at Old Trafford on Sunday was a riot. And a disgrace.
“I hate to think what the reaction would’ve been had Liverpool fans been to blame.”
Keys added: “It was NOT a peaceful demonstration.
“One police officer has been left with life-changing injuries. He could’ve been blinded after being attacked by a thug wielding a broken bottle.
“What was it all about? Was it a protest against the ESL? No.
“But some would have you believe that. If the protest was about the ESL then why have City fans not been out with their own wrecking ball? Or Chelsea fans? Or Spurs fans?
“Was it a demonstration about the ownership of Manchester United? No. But some would have you believe that.
“It was a show of frustration that United are no longer the dominant force in English football.
“The Glazers are not for me. But Sir Alex Ferguson never had a problem with them.”
Ex-England defender Neville had reacted to Sunday’s protests by saying “fans have set the spark” for “reform”.
United and the rest of the Premier League ‘Big Six’ backed out of the ESL following a huge outcry from supporters, politicians and football authorities.
And Neville said: “The fans have spoken. It’s not going to go away.
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“Fans don’t trust the owners of Manchester United, they don’t like them, they think the owners should leave.
“Fans across the country need to unite to make sure there is reform in English football
“We don’t want to hear about disturbances but fans have had enough.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
