Gary Lineker has hit out Gary Neville for his Twitter rant slamming Manchester United players' extracurricular activities after they were knocked out of the Champions League.
Neville took to social media on Monday morning in fury after taking offence to the way Red Devils stars have conducted themselves following a 1-0 (2-1 on aggregate) humbling at the hands of Atletico Madrid.
The former Manchester United captain tweeted: "I remember a time when United players, managers, executives wouldn't be seen in their local Italian after a draw at home let alone getting knocked out of Europe. This last week we've seen a global tour of F1, Concerts, Cricket and UFC events. This lot are Tone Deaf!"
Neville's tweet immediately received backlash, with one of his followers responding: "These players are human beings, do you expect them to stay in their houses in isolation? Expect better from someone who was a player for all those years." To this, the Sky Sports pundit replied: "I expect them to adapt to circumstances and go on holiday but quietly!
Another follower then tweeted him: "Kind of find this a bit deranged that players are not allowed to live their lives outside of work. Not a great message to be sending." And Neville again replied: "No, they are. They can go on holiday, relax, take time off.
"However, if you've been knocked out of the Champions League, FA Cup, League cup and floundering in the League I wouldn't think it's too much to ask to lie low a bit!"
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As more and more people piled in, Lineker took it upon himself to respond to Neville, pointing out that social media didn't exist when they both graced football pitches, making it easier for the average player to stay under the radar. "True, they were mostly busy getting hammered down the pub without everyone being on social media to spy on them," he tweeted.
Neville again hit back: "Not sure the spy needs to work too hard at test matches, F1, boxing and UFC," to which Lineker replied: "Do you really think that's a problem? Going to watch other sports has always been a thing. A positive thing at that."
This prompted yet another response from Neville, who hit out at Manchester United owner Avram Glazer for attending the Formula One Bahrain Grand Prix.
"Of course, it's not a problem watching other sports," tweeted Neville. "However, do you think it's a good look for the Owner (who hasn't been to Manchester for an age) to be at the F1 and meeting the Dubai elite about their sporting ambitions with United's current situation?" Adding: "Would you not adjust your plans if you had suffered a bad defeat as a player to maybe lie low?"
