Dwight McNeil’s partner has criticised Crystal Palace for what she described as “messing” with the winger’s mental health.
His proposed move to Selhurst Park from Everton collapsed on transfer deadline day, even after a loan-to-buy deal was agreed for the 26-year-old, with a fee of £26m.
McNeil completed a medical and the club submitted a deal sheet before Monday’s (February 2) 7pm deadline - but the move ultimately fell through after the required paperwork was not completed in time.
Dwight McNeil’s proposed move to Crystal Palace fell through on transfer deadline day.placeholder image
Dwight McNeil’s proposed move to Crystal Palace fell through on transfer deadline day. | Getty Images
McNeil’s partner, Megan Sharpley, said the player was left with “radio silence” from the London club on Monday evening, after being offered a four-and-a-half-year contract and that the couple had “prepared to move our life 100s of miles away” before the deal was suddenly pulled without explanation.
Posting on Instagram, she said: “We live in a world where everyone is aware of how big a problem mental health is. So, in football, why do we find it acceptable because these young men are on a lot of money that it’s okay to mess and toy with their mental health and that it’s just part of the job?
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“We all deserve to be treated with respect, kindness, and fairly. The last 48 hours have broken my heart to see how the football world you love so much can be so cruel to you.
“To have something promised to you, to have been dragged along on an emotional rollercoaster and to be toyed with until the final minute, then have it torn away with absolutely no explanation, has hurt more than I can say.”
Sharpley has made her Instagram account private since her post went viral.
Everton winger Dwight McNeil, left, with partner Megan Sharpley.placeholder image
Everton winger Dwight McNeil, left, with partner Megan Sharpley. | Instagram
The couple have been dating for quite a few years now, with Sharpley always thankful to have McNeil by her side. However, the pair are yet to get married.
In another social media post - this time at the end of 2023 - she revealed she had “lost an organ or two” after requiring open heart surgery. She explained how the Toffees winger had looked after her while she recovered.
She said: “Dwight, you held my hand every time the bad news came, you reminded me how strong I was and how it was all going to be okay.
“You dressed me, you washed me, you carried me, you fed me, you injected me, you juggled all your commitments whilst supporting me and never complained.
“You slept by my hospital bed and kept me giggling even when the world felt like it was ending. You are the most amazing human being.”
McNeil later echoed her comments about the Crystal Palace move in a post of his own, where he also reaffirmed his commitment to Everton.
He said: “Whilst even now I’m still left in the dark - what I do know, and have been supported with, I am an Everton player. I will use this as motivation.”
McNeil joined Everton from Burnley in July 2022 but has struggled for regular minutes this season. Since David Moyes replaced Sean Dyche, he has started just seven of his 14 league appearances.
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