Sky Sports Pundit Denied Accreditation Following “Mafia Gang” Comments as Tensions Boil Over
Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville has been barred from entering Nottingham Forest’s City Ground for their crucial final Premier League match against Chelsea on Sunday. The decision comes after Neville’s sharp criticism of the club’s owner, Evangelos Marinakis, whom he previously likened to a “mafia gang.”
Neville, a former Manchester United defender, was set to be part of Sky’s commentary team for the high-stakes clash, with both Forest and Chelsea battling for European qualification. However, the club refused to grant him media access, forcing him to step away from coverage.
Taking to Instagram, Neville expressed his frustration, calling the move “disappointing” and “unprecedented.”
“I was informed yesterday that Nottingham Forest would not give me accreditation,” he wrote. “While they have every right to decide who enters their stadium, this feels like a low moment for a great club. I’ve criticized and praised teams over 14 years in this job, but I’ve never faced anything like this.”
The feud between Neville and Forest has been simmering for months. Earlier this season, he slammed Marinakis for confronting manager Nuno Espírito Santo on the pitch after a draw with Leicester, calling it “scandalous.” He even urged Nuno to resign, further angering the Greek businessman.
Tensions escalated when Forest publicly questioned referee Stuart Attwell’s integrity following a controversial defeat to Everton. Neville’s fiery response—comparing the club’s behavior to a “mafia gang”—prompted an apology from Sky after Marinakis’ legal team intervened.
Forest declined to comment when approached by the PA news agency. Meanwhile, Neville wished the team’s players, staff, and fans well in their push for Champions League football—though his absence from the commentary box will undoubtedly be felt.
The incident highlights the growing divide between pundits and clubs in an increasingly volatile Premier League landscape.
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