Gary Neville has promised to sign a petition which calls for him to be banned from commentating on Arsenal matches.
Neville was on Sky Sports co-commentary duties alongside Martin Tyler for Arsenal’s 3-2 win over Manchester United on Sunday afternoon. The former United defender was forced to provide insight as Eddie Nketiah struck in the 90th minute to settle the drama-filled match in north London.
The 47-year-old was not shy in sharing his opinion on incidents throughout the game and was particularly strong on the yellow card handed to Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta. He was quick to criticise Arteta for acting like a “madman” after Luke Shaw fouled Bukayo Saka in the first half.
It seems his commentary style was not to the taste of Arsenal fans, who have slammed him on social media. One tweet from a fan account read: “Like this tweet if you would sign a petition to have @GNev2 banned from commentating on Arsenal games.”
In a quote-tweet, Neville wrote: “I will sign it! Thought I was fair yesterday as well” alongside a crying laughing emoji.
At the time of writing, the tweet has been viewed over 1million times, with over 16,000 people liking the post. However, it doesn’t seem as though a petition has been set up yet.
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Arsenal fans did manage to get their own back on Neville by interrupting the recording of his Sky Sports podcast. Neville and Tyler were trying to film his post-match take in the stands at the Emirates when supporters could be heard shouting something over Neville's shoulder.
"I think there's some Arsenal fans having a little bit of a pop," said Neville before turning around to speak to the fans. "You alright, lads? Are Arsenal going to win the league? I don't think you will! But that's life! But you're having a great season, well done."
Neville has also rubbished suggestions that pictures of him with his head in his hands were taken after Nketiah's winner.
He has been vocal in his opinion that Arsenal will not win the Premier League, despite being five points clear of Manchester City with a game in hand. Last week he said: “They won't win the league. Manchester City will win the league, and I think Man Utd will finish second, and I know that will annoy Arsenal fans.
He added: "I think at some point Man City will hit a run. Once they do, they've got to play Arsenal twice... At some point, there will be a very difficult period for Arsenal this season. Is it conceivable that Arsenal are going to continue as they are? I don't think it is."
Arsenal now turn their attention to the FA Cup, with a fixture against title rival Manchester City on Friday before league games against Everton, Brentford and City kick off February.
