Nottingham Forest has barred Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville from entering the City Ground for their pivotal Premier League clash against Chelsea on Sunday, sparking a public clash between the club and the former England defender.
Neville revealed the ban in an Instagram post, stating the club denied him accreditation for Sky’s coverage of the match, forcing him to withdraw from commentary duties.
“I was informed by Sky that Forest would not grant me accreditation or stadium access as a co-commentator. I’ve had no choice but to step back,” said Neville, 50.
The decision follows his criticism of Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis, who was filmed confronting manager Nuno Espirito Santo after a controversial 2-2 draw with Leicester City earlier this month.
On X, Neville had labeled Marinakis’ on-pitch actions as “scandalous,” writing:
“Nuno should negotiate his exit tonight. The fans, players, and manager don’t deserve that.”
Forest later dismissed reports of a confrontation as “fake news,” clarifying that Marinakis’ frustration stemmed from striker Taiwo Awoniyi continuing to play despite an 88th-minute injury that later required surgery.
Neville, a prominent voice in football punditry for 14 years, called the ban “unprecedented,” adding:
“While clubs have the right to control stadium access, this reflects broader issues we’ve seen with Forest over the past year.”
He expressed disappointment that “a club of Forest’s stature” resorted to such measures but wished the team luck in their bid for Champions League qualification.
Forest, seventh in the league, could secure a top-four finish with a win over Chelsea and favorable results elsewhere. The Premier League declined to intervene, stating accreditation matters remain club decisions.
