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    Jeff Stelling leaves Sky Sports studio stunned as he rocks pink tracksuit bottoms for Soccer Saturday

    JEFF STELLING left his Sky Sports colleagues stunned as he rocked PINK tracksuit bottoms on air.The Soccer Saturday presenter was in his usual hot seat for the afternoon’s football action.
    Jeff Stelling stunned the Sky Sports studio on Soccer SaturdayCredit: Twitter @skysports
    He rocked a tight pair of pink tracksuit bottoms on airCredit: Twitter @skysports
    He opened the show by joking he had to be on top of his game with Gary Lineker now available to pinch his job.
    And the popular Stelling, 67, caused another stir when he stood up from behind his desk in the Sky studio.
    The Hartlepool fan had his suit jacket, shirt and tie on as normal for his flagship show.
    But then he revealed the slightly-too-tight, eye-opening salmon pink joggers.
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    Pundits Paul Merson, Clinton Morrison and Kris Boyd did not know where to look as they cracked into laughter.
    But Stelling was rocking the unusual trousers in a stand of solidarity with Sky Sports reporter Michelle Owen, who was criticised on social media for wearing her fuchsia bottoms for Plymouth’s win over Derby on Tuesday.
    Stelling said: “My friend and colleague Michelle Owen was presenting EFL coverage and was criticised by somebody on Twitter in part because of her clothing.
    “She was wearing some pink tracky bottoms which looked absolutely fantastic but unfortunately the tweeter, who swiftly deleted the tweet by the way, was suggesting otherwise.
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    “I vowed at the time I would show solidarity with Michelle… so Michelle, I am showing solidarity today because there you go.
    “What do you think, guys? Pretty in pink?
    “Okay, keep your thoughts to yourselves.”
    Merse quipped in reply: “I’m tweeting him for that one.”
    When Stelling had tweeted Owen with his promise on Tuesday night, the reporter replied: “You can borrow mine- we are a similar height!”
    And fans watching on at home loved Stelling’s brilliant public response.
    One said: “Some people will make any excuse to criticise female presenters and pundits, good on Jeff for calling it out.”
    Another wrote: “Don’t understand people like that. Michelle Owenis one of the best around in all honesty. Love the trackies Jeff Stelling.”
    And a third simply added: “Go on, Jeff.”
    Michelle Owen was criticised for her trousers for Tuesday’s EFL coverageCredit: Twitter @MichelleOwen7 More

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    Fans love Jeff Stelling’s cheeky opening joke on Soccer Saturday after Gary Lineker is pulled from Match of the Day

    FOOTBALL fans are in stitches after Jeff Stelling made light of Gary Lineker’s BBC ban.Stelling opened Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday programme with a clever quip about needing to be on form today.
    Jeff Stelling made a clever quip about Gary Lineker’s Match of the Day absenceCredit: Sky Sports
    Lineker was pulled from MOTD by the BBC as part of the dispute over his tweetsCredit: Reuters
    There will be more eyeballs on him today as a result of Football Focus being taken off air – and Stelling joked he was auditioning for a new job.
    It comes after Lineker was withdrawn from his Match of the Day duties, with the flagship football show set to show highlights only after several pundits pulled out including Ian Wright and Alan Shearer.
    Stelling, who has shown support for Lineker over his BBC dispute, could not help but joke about the situation.
    He said: “I need to be at the top of my game today because there’s a top-notch football presenter available on Saturdays now.”
    READ MORE ON GARY LINEKER

    Fans found Stelling’s wisecrack hilarious and praised his comment on Twitter.
    One wrote: “Jeff Stelling’s opening line as perfect as expected on Soccer Saturday.”
    Another added: “Fantastic intro 😂”
    A third said: “Hilarious first comment on Soccer Saturday I loved it 🤣”
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    And another commented: “Jeff Stelling brilliant as ever.”
    Stelling showed support for Lineker and Wright after the latter said he would not be appearing on Match of the Day out of solidarity for Lineker.
    He replied saying: “Well played Wrighty.” More

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    Who could replace Gary Lineker as host of Match of the Day from The One Show regular to James Corden

    THESE are some of the potential candidates that could eventually host Match of the Day after the BBC decided to pull Gary Lineker off air.The former England striker hit the headlines after he compared new immigration legislation to 1930s Germany.
    The BBC have pulled Gary Lineker off the airCredit: Getty
    That has led to people speculating as to who will step in as hostCredit: BBC
    In a major U-turn, the broadcaster announced Lineker would be suspended from his presenting duties after previously saying he would face no disciplinary action.
    They added that the suspension will remain in place until an agreement is reached on his social media use – which could potentially mean it is for the long-term.
    Attention quickly turned to who could replace him in the MOTD hot-seat.
    However, for the time being there will be NO HOST.
    READ MORE ON GARY LINEKER
    The BBC made that decision after numerous contenders ruled themselves out of the running in a show of solidarity with Lineker.
    Here, we take a look at those who could eventually end up replacing Lineker…
    JAMES CORDEN
    The Brit currently hosts the hit Late Late Show in America and is also set to stay Stateside to film his CBS chat show until next year before leaving the post following eight years in the job.
    Corden has previously presented the sports-based panel show A League of Their Own and is no stranger to football with the star being a huge West Ham supporter.
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    He was tipped as a contender to replace Lineker last year, with Lineker even tweeting the ‘eyes’ emoji in response to the story.
    James Corden would be a left-field choiceCredit: Getty
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    ALEX SCOTT
    The former Lionesses star, 38, began her media career while still playing football, appearing on programmes such as Soccer AM and also had other minor roles at BBC Sport, BT Sport, and Sky Sports.
    She started co-presenting on Match of the Day Kickabout after retirement and then made history as a pundit at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first female football pundit at a World Cup for the BBC.
    In August 2019, Scott was announced as the new co-host of Sky Sports’ Goals on Sunday alongside Chris Kamara and has been a regular presenter on the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards while she is also a frequent guest presenter on The One Show.
    However, she says she won’t step in to host Match of the Day in place of Lineker after his suspension from the show.
    In a cryptic tweet she shared a meme of US politician Bernie Sanders saying: “Nah… not for me.”
    JERMAINE JENAS
    The 40-year-old former Premier League star regularly works as a pundit and commentator for BBC and BT Sport.
    Jenas began co-presenting The One Show on BBC One with Alex Jones and became one of its permanent hosts the following year.
    Last year he also performed the role of “Draw Conductor” for the 2022 FIFA World Cup draw.
    But Jenas also tweeted on Friday: “Been on air with the one show. I wasn’t down to be doing match of the day tomorrow, but if I was I would of said no and stood with my fellow pundits and @GaryLineker.”
    Jermaine Jenas has plenty of TV hosting experienceCredit: Getty
    MARK CHAPMAN
    The much-loved “Chappers” already has huge experience and has performed the role temporarily before.
    He also has experience of presenting but has hosted Match of the Day 2 on BBC One and Sky Sports’ coverage of the EFL Cup – but he now too is understood to have declared that he is standing with Lineker.
    MARK POUGATCH
    The 55-year-old also has huge experience in radio and television broadcasting.
    He is currently the Chief Sport Presenter for ITV Sport and fronts their major football and rugby coverage. 
    He is also the sideline reporter for Stan Sport’s UEFA competition coverage. 
    MANISH BHASIN
    Another well-known face and potential candidate for the job.
    He is a sports journalist and presenter broadcasting for Premier League Productions as the face of the Premier League’s global coverage to over 700 million viewers.
    And he also already works for the Beeb too.
    ALAN SHEARER OR IAN WRIGHT
    The two former England internationals are both regular pundits on Match of the Day and have been for years.
    They are close friends with Lineker, which could potentially be an issue.
    Wright announced that he would refuse to be on Saturday’s show after the news broke regarding Lineker.
    And that stance was swiftly followed by Newcastle legend Shearer, who tweeted: “I have informed the BBC that I won’t be appearing on MOTD tomorrow night.”
    GABBY LOGAN
    The Welsh presenter is a former international rhythmic gymnast who represented Wales and Great Britain.
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    She hosted Final Score for BBC Sport from 2009 until 2013.
    And she can always be relied upon to step up for duty should the occasion arise.
    Logan hosted Final Score for BBC Sport from 2009 until 2013Credit: Getty Images – Getty
    Ian Wright is refusing to appear on the show as an act of solidarityCredit: Getty More

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    Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher were jumping around like a couple of fans – what happened to objective punditry?

    GARY NEVILLE was presumably trying to be funny when he signed off Sky’s ‘Super Sunday’ show with the words: “You were live on Liverpool TV.”But his comments weren’t completely wide of the mark after another afternoon of pundit ‘bantz’ from the Premier League’s leading broadcaster.
    SunSport’s Mark Irwin isn’t impressed with Neville and Carragher’s fanboy anticsCredit: PA
    Neville had a face like a slapped arse after watching his beloved Manchester United being ripped a new one at Anfield.
    And he made no attempt to hide his displeasure at their 7-0 defeat by the bitter rivals from the other end of the East Lancs Road.
    On the other side of the microphone, we had Jamie Carragher whooping and cheering every Liverpool goal live on air.
    During the post-match inquest they had Carragher grinning away with fellow Kop idol Graeme Souness while Neville sulked alongside professional United grinch Roy Keane.
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    And just to make sure there was absolutely no chance of impartial analysis, the whole thing was hosted by Kenny Dalglish’s daughter Kelly Cates.
    Now I have no problem with these former players having their loyalties forged over many years in a certain team’s colours.
    But there comes a point where favouritism becomes outright bias and we’re very close to crossing that particular bridge.
    And it’s not as if Neville and Carragher are the only culprits.
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    Rio Ferdinand can rarely resist the urge to wildly cheer a Man Utd goalCredit: Getty
    Ian Wright couldn’t hide his delight when Arsenal netted a last minute winner against Bournemouth last weekCredit: https://twitter.com/StokeyyG2/status/1632068949230735361
    Match of the Day regularly films Ian Wright and Alan Shearer celebrating Arsenal and Newcastle goals like mad things while Rio Ferdinand is equally vociferous in his support for United.
    And it seems that many viewers actually lap this stuff up.
    Nevertheless, it does beg the question whatever happened to objective football coverage?
    There used to be a time when Scottish sports writers were dismissed as ‘fans with typewriters’ because of their unwavering support for their national team.
    But now it appears that correspondents throughout the whole of Britain are actively encouraged to display their colours and are criticised for not being partisan enough.
    Now I know that I am a miserable bastard who is no-one’s idea of a ray of sunshine.
    But almost every time I write a match report for this paper I get taken to task by certain readers who complain that I have not been positive enough about their team.
    Well I’m sorry that I missed the memo that I’m now required to be a cheerleader and I’m still awaiting delivery of my spangly costume and pompoms.
    But judging by the number of scarves and club colours we’re now seeing in press boxes up and down the country, maybe I’m the one who is behind the times.
    Because there is a new breed of football reporter who happily admits that they are only interested in one team and couldn’t care less about anything else that is going on in the sport.
    And I understand that these guys connect with a lot of fans because they are every bit as fanatical as them.
    Yet we have now reached the point where post match press conferences are carried out in front of more tourists than Madame Tussauds.
    Many of them don’t even bother with the pretence of bringing a laptop, camera or notepad because all they’re interested in is the free pre-match meal and a nice comfy seat to cheer on their team.
    And the clubs don’t care less because they’d much rather open their doors to unquestioning loyalists than to grumpy old sods like me.
    So forgive me if I don’t get offended by Gary Lineker showing his political colours.
    It’s his sporting neutrality which I’m worried about.
    A right old Mess
    Lionel Messi and PSG are out of the Champions League at the last 16 stage once again, it remains to be seen whether his old boss Pep Guardiola can do better with moneybags Man City next weekCredit: Getty
    ANOTHER year, another early Champions League exit for Paris St.Germain.
    The flat track bullies of European football are strolling untroubled towards their ninth French League title in 11 years.
    Yet in spite of all the insane spending by their Qatari owners, they still cannot buy a win in the game’s most prestigious club competition.
    Maybe it’s because they have gathered more stars than the Milky Way that we all take such pleasure from their annual humiliation.
    And the fact that Messi and his chums have been sent packing by former Stoke and PSG cast-off Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting only adds to the comedy value this time.
    But we really shouldn’t laugh too loudly at this in-Seine farce.
    Because here in England we have our very own perennial Champions who have still never lifted the European Cup in spite of squeezing FFP until the pips squeak.
    So it’s probably best that we wait to see how Manchester City get on against RB Leipzig next week before we start gloating at Les Flops.
    F1 opener was the pits
    Lewis Hamilton looks set for a long, hard 2023 F1 campaignCredit: PA
    SERIAL winner Lewis Hamilton knew before the first Grand Prix of the season had even got underway that he had no chance of winning the championship.
    Now he knows how Harry Kane feels at Tottenham.
    But after more than a decade dominating Formula One, Hamilton is entitled to feel downhearted by the car which Mercedes have served up again this year.
    Team-mate George Russell was equally despondent after reigning champion Max Verstappen led from start to finish in Bahrain last weekend.
    “Red Bull have got this Championship sewn up,” he gloomily predicted. “My bet is that they will win every single race.”
    Now that might be good news for Verstappen and his team boss Christian Horner.
    But the lack of competition can’t be good for Formula One because no-one wants to watch a procession.
    And even the most obsessive petrol heads will soon lose interest if the highlight of the race is the pit stop.
    Where are their heads at?
    FIFA president Gianni Infantino left many baffled as his organisation refused the Premier League’s request to trial concussion subsCredit: PA
    THE geniuses at FIFA have refused a request from the Premier League and various other countries to trial the use of concussion subs.
    Why on earth would they do that?
    Time to send on a replacement for Gianni Infantino, who is clearly dazed and confused.
    Devil’s in the detail
    Wout Weghorst touching the ‘This is Anfield’ sign is the least of Man Utd’s worriesCredit: BBC
    APPARENTLY Manchester United are looking to sign the Anfield pitch invader who slid into Andy Robertson on Sunday because he managed to get closer to the Liverpool players than anyone from Erik ten Hag’s team.
    In the aftermath of that 7-0 humiliation, Wout Weghorst has been getting dog’s abuse from irate United fans for touching the ‘This Is Anfield’ sign ahead of the match.
    Might I suggest that of all ten Hag’s weekend problems, that was the very least of them.
    All’s Wells that ends Wells
    Novak Djokovic will not be allowed to compete at Indian Wells, but should be back for the US OpenCredit: Getty
    THERE has been predictable outrage at Novak Djokovic being barred from competing in America because he still hasn’t been vaccinated against Covid.
    But the GOAT of tennis knows the requirements for entry to the land of the free and has opted not to comply with them.
    It is entirely his choice what he puts into his body and he is happy to live with the consequences of that decision.
    The US border ban is due to end in two months’ time anyway, so Djokovic will still be allowed to enter the US Open in August.
    It just means he cannot participate at Indian Wells and Miami this month. And he’s obviously not losing too much sleep over that.
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    Running Wild
    Chris Wilder is the new Watford managerCredit: PA
    CONGRATULATIONS to Chris Wilder on his appointment as Watford’s third manager of the season and their ninth full-time boss in four seasons.
    And if he achieves Championship promotion in May, he can still look forward to the sack. More

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    Wills and Kate’s Twitter account makes brilliant Chris Kamara joke as pundit receives MBE at Windsor Castle

    CHRIS KAMARA received an MBE from Prince William at Windsor Castle. The legendary pundit, 65, was presented with his special gong on Tuesday.
    Chris Kamara received his MBE on TuesdayCredit: PA
    The former footballer and pundit shared the special moment with Prince WilliamCredit: PA
    Kammy spent 20 years as a professional footballer before stepping into his popular role as a pundit and presenter with Sky Sports.
    However, he stepped away from the broadcaster amid his apraxia speech disorder, leaving him feeling like a “fraud”.
    Kamara continues to do some pre-recorded presenting on ITV and has received widespread support.
    Now the former Bradford manager, who served in the navy as a teenager, has been honoured for his services to football, charity and anti-racism.
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    Kamara, who was accompanied at the royal residence by his wife and two sons, shared a joke with the future King.
    And the Kensington Royal Twitter account for the Prince and Princess of Wales made reference to Kammy’s iconic red-card blunder moment at Fratton Park in 2010.
    The tweet said: “We’re off to Windsor Castle where there’s been an MBE, but for who @chris_kammy?”
    Kammy described the day as “unbelievable” in classic fashion.
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    He told Sky Sports: “It feels unbelievable. 
    “It’s a great family occasion to be there with Prince William and talk football with him for a good five minutes. It couldn’t have been any better.
    “My charity work is very important to me. I’ve always wanted to work with Marie Curie and raise money for them as they looked after my mum.
    “Thankfully, I’ve been a patron for 14 years and been involved in raising over £3million.
    “With my experience of apraxia, hopefully we can get something past the government to help young kids who are struggling with their speech.”
    Liverpool midfielder James Milner was also presented with his MBE after two decades as a Premier League player.
    Manchester City legend Mike Summerbee was made an OBE – like Milner, for his services to football and charity – while Chelsea and Wales star Sophie Ingle received her OBE.
    James Milner picked up his MBE on the same dayCredit: Getty More

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    Sky Sports presenter Kelly Cates hailed ‘best in the business’ for cheeky final remarks after Liverpool’s 7-0 vs Man Utd

    SKY SPORTS presenter Kelly Cates has been hailed as the “best in the business”.The Scot gave some cheeky remarks following Liverpool’s stunning 7-0 win over Manchester United.
    Fans were loving Kelly Cates after Liverpool’s 7-0 win over Man UtdCredit: PA:Press Association
    Cates couldn’t resist a cheeky dig at Gary Neville
    Jurgen Klopp’s Reds ran riot at Anfield as they racked up a record number of goals against their rivals.
    The humiliating defeat boosted Liverpool’s top-four hopes while virtually ending United’s title dream.
    But it was the post-match action that had tongues wagging.
    Pundits Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher were at each other’s throats during a brutal clash.
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    Neville slammed Carragher and fellow ex-Liverpool star Graeme Souness for “gloating like little children” as Cates played the role of moderator.
    Neville also argued that 7-0 was a “freak result” following United’s recent success, including victory over Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final, in an attempt to downplay Liverpool’s performance.
    And Cates couldn’t resist having a cheeky pop as she signed off the show for the evening.
    The daughter of Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish bid farewell to viewers saying: “Liverpool sharp off the tee at Anfield this afternoon.
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    “They’ve beaten Manchester United by seven goals to nil, it’s a record for this fixture.
    “Mo Salah is now Liverpool’s record Premier League goalscorer… and they didn’t even play that well! Goodnight.”
    Neville attempted to get the final word as the screen cut off, shouting: “And you’re live on Liverpool TV.”
    But fans reserved their praise for Cates, with one saying: “Kelly Cates the best in the biz right now. Future main host of BBC Match of the Day right there.”
    Another declared: “Kelly Cates once again proving she’s easily the best around right now. Probably the best Sky Sports have ever had. That was Des Lynam-esque in his prime at the end there.”
    One noted: “Kelly Cates what a woman, a true professional and still mischievous. Love it!”
    Another added: “Fantastic final line! Best sports presenter on TV!”
    Meanwhile, Carragher continued his wind-up of Neville today by claiming the ex-Man Utd ace had “cried off” working the Monday Night Football show for Brentford vs Fulham.
    It prompted a speedy response for Neville, who told Carragher to “behave” before explaining he was never scheduled for an appearance. More

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    Gary Neville responds to claims he ‘cried off Monday Night Football’ after Man Utd’s humiliating loss to Liverpool

    GARY NEVILLE confirmed he will NOT be on Monday Night Football – but insists that was the plan even before Sunday’s Manchester United humiliation.The former Red Devils right-back was torn to shreds live on air in the fallout from the 7-0 embarrassment at Liverpool.
    Gary Neville was given a grilling after Manchester United lost 7-0 at LiverpoolCredit: Sky Sports

    And Sky Sports colleague Jamie Carragher taunted his rival earlier on Monday by suggesting Neville had “cried off” tonight’s show as Brentford host Fulham.
    But Neville replied to set the record straight, an hour before the programme started with Carragher joined by Karen Carney in the MNF studio.
    He wrote: “Behave yourself! Never meant to be on as you well know you clown!
    “I will be relaxing looking forward to watching you eulogise over a team you’ve killed for two months…”
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    Neville was left fuming at the Man Utd performance, slamming the defending as “appalling”.
    He also called out Bruno Fernandes for his behaviour on the pitch.
    Things only got worse for him when co-commentator Carragher upload a photo of himself smiling next to an angry-looking Neville.
    During the game, the Man Utd hero said: “You might lose 2-0, you might lose 2-1, you might lose 3-0, but you do not lose 7-0 here. You just don’t”.
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    Poking fun, Carragher hilariously responded: “You do today.”
    And after making his way back to the studio to discuss the humiliation, he accused Carra and Graeme Souness of “gloating like little children”.
    Neville has also been trolled by the Sky Sports Retro YouTube channel as they posted a timely clip of the pundit opening up on losing 7-0 to Barcelona while he was boss at Valencia.
    Karen Carney joined Jamie Carragher and Dave Jones in the MNF studioCredit: Sky Sports
    There was no reference to Neville in the introductionCredit: Sky Sports More

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    ‘Gary has cried off MNF’ – Jamie Carragher claims Neville has pulled out of Monday shift hours after Man Utd humiliation

    JAMIE CARRAGHER has claimed that Gary Neville “has cried off” work after Manchester United’s 7-0 loss to Liverpool.The former right-back was expected to take his seat on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football to discuss the weekend’s action and tonight’s clash between Brentford and Fulham.
    Gary Neville has supposedly “cried off” tonight’s MNFCredit: Twitter: @Carra23
    Gary Neville slammed Man Utd’s performance at LiverpoolCredit: Getty
    However, the Liverpool legend has tweeted to tell fans that Neville will not be on screens tonight.
    Carragher wrote alongside three laughing emojis: “Gary Neville has cried off from MNF.”
    Fans were left in shock and many slammed him, one said: “Has he really? That’s as disgraceful as yesterday’s performance. Not good enough.”
    Another commented: “Neville not doing MNF is embarrassing.”
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    A third reacted: “Hahahah Neville has cancelled his appearance on MNF tonight because he can’t handle talking about Man Utd losing 7-0 any more. F***ing unbelievable.”
    Neville was left fuming at the Man Utd performance, slamming the defending as “appalling”.
    He also called out Bruno Fernandes for his behaviour on the pitch.
    Things only got worse for him when co-commentator Carragher upload a photo of himself smiling next to an angry-looking Neville.
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    During the game the Man Utd hero said: “You might lose 2-0, you might lose 2-1, you might lose 3-0, but you do not lose 7-0 here. You just don’t”.
    Poking fun, Carragher hilariously responded: “You do today.”

    And after making his way back to the studio to discuss the humiliation, he accused him and Graeme Souness of “gloating like little children.”
    Neville has also been trolled by the Sky Sports Retro YouTube channel as they posted a timely clip of the pundit opening up on losing 7-0 to Barcelona while he was boss at Valencia. More