David Beckham has responded to Gary Neville after the Sky Sports pundit was banned from the City Ground by Nottingham Forest for their clash against Chelsea.
The Blues make the trip to Forest on Sunday knowing a win will secure Enzo Maresca's side Champions League football for next season. Nottingham Forest, though, are also seeking three points in their quest to finish in the top five.
Neville was due to commentate on the match but announced on Friday that Forest have denied him access to the stadium. Nottingham Forest are yet to comment on the matter.
Former Manchester United defender Neville said on Instagram: “I was contacted by Sky Sports earlier on in the week and told that I would be commentating at the City Ground on Sunday for the Nottingham Forest v Chelsea match. I was informed yesterday by Sky Sports that Nottingham Forest would not give me an accreditation or access to the stadium as a co-commentator. I’ve had no choice but to withdraw from the coverage.
“I’ve dished out my fair share of criticism and praise in the last 14 years of doing this job and have never come close to this unprecedented action. Personally, I think it’s disappointing that a great club like Nottingham Forest have been reduced to making such a decision.
"While they have every right to choose who they let into their own stadium, it’s symptomatic of things that have happened over the last 12 months with the club. I wish the coaching staff, players and fans of the club all the best in their quest to achieve Champions League football.”
Following the post, Neville's former teammate Beckham took to the comments to weigh in on the decision. The England icon said: "Must of been something to do with that 7 - 1 game back in the day [laughing face emoji] @gneville2 @manchesterunited." Jamie Carragher also saw the funny side as the Liverpool legend simply commented laughing face emojis.
While Beckham did say the score was 7-1, it seems he was mistaken. Manchester United beat Nottingham Forest 8-1 at the City Ground in February 1999. Beckham and Neville both started the match, with Ole Gunnar Solskaer scoring four of the eight goals.
football.london Chelsea WhatsApp channel
Chelsea flag prior the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg One match between Chelsea FC and Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Want to keep up to date with the breaking and important Chelsea stories whilst on the move? Well now you can!
Click this link to follow the football.london Chelsea WhatsApp channel, where you'll be kept up to date on the latest Blues news wherever you are.
Just remember to turn on the notifications once you've followed, and you won't miss a beat!