Portland Timbers boss Phil Neville jokingly took exception to something the reporter was wearing
PORTLAND, OREGON - MARCH 30: Head coach Phil Neville of the Portland Timbers walks on the field following a game against the Houston Dynamo at Providence Park on March 30, 2025 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Amanda Loman/Getty Images)
Phil Neville walks on to the field following Portland Timbers' win over Houston Dynamo at Providence Park
Ahead of the final Merseyside derby of the season, there is no question where former Everton captain Phil Neville's loyalty lies. That much was clear by what happened in a press conference at the weekend.
Neville, who started his career at Liverpool's other biggest rivals, Manchester United, was speaking after Portland Timbers' 3-1 win at home to Houston Dynamo.
The ex-England international, who has been in charge of Portland since March 2023, stopped journalist Alex Barnes in his tracks to question him on his choice of cap.
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The cap was a Liverpool FC one with the words 'Pride of Merseyside' embroidered on it, which Neville jokingly didn't take kindly to.
“Just stop - what’s that cap you’ve got on?” said a smiling Neville, interrupting a question about the goal his side conceded. “That’s an insult, no?
“Wear any cap you want, a (Oregon) Ducks cap… but not that cap.”
Neville made 303 appearances for Everton after signing for the club in 2005 from Man United, retiring in 2013 after eight seasons at Goodison Park.
He and brother Gary Neville made history in 2006, becoming the first siblings to captain their respective Premier League clubs in a competing match.
So if there’s one person you don’t want to wear Liverpool attire in front of, it’s a former Manchester United and Everton player.
It’s safe to say Barnes won’t be making that mistake again. He said on X: "Probably should have known better than to wear this today…"