The Premier League has urgently consulted with Sky Sports following the contentious decision by Nottingham Forest to bar pundit Gary Neville from entering the City Ground. The former Manchester United star, aged 50, was refused media accreditation for Sunday's momentous match between Forest and Chelsea, a game with significant repercussions for Champions League qualification.
This move comes after Neville made a social media statement slamming Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis' post-game conduct towards Nuno Espirito Santo after the previous home fixture against Leicester. Marinakis had furiously confronted the manager on the pitch over perceived medical and coaching shortcomings in dealing with striker Taiwo Awoniyi's injury.
Neville took to social media platform X to air his views: "Scandalous from that Forest owner," adding, "Nuno should go and negotiate his exit tonight with him! The Forest fans, players and manager do not deserve that."
In response, Forest condemned what they called 'fake news online', emphasising their disapproval of 'baseless and ill-informed outrage for the purposes of personal social media traction'. Following Neville's exclusion becoming public knowledge on Friday, he expressed his dismay towards Nottingham Forest and declared that he has pulled out of participating in Sky's live broadcast at the City Ground.
As initially reported by The Mail, the decision made by Nottingham Forest has raised eyebrows among senior figures within the Premier League, Sky and other broadcasters. It's been noted that top-flight officials are set to have further discussions with Sky following emergency talks over the weekend.
While Forest have the right to determine who enters their premises, both the Premier League and Sky are worried about the potential precedent this could establish. During the most recent bidding war for TV rights, Sky secured four of the five available packages in a deal worth £6.7 billion, which is set to run until 2027.
From next season, the broadcaster will air at least 215 live matches for UK viewers. Over the past decade, Neville has become a familiar face on Sky's coverage, with his commentary and analysis being a key feature of their live events.
In his statement, the former England defender revealed: "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.What are your thoughts on Gary Neville being banned by Nottingham Forest? Share your views in the comments section."
"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 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'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.
"Whilst 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."