Gary Neville’s biased criticism of Liverpool continued on Sunday night, before the former Man United defender branded bewildered fans a “sensitive crowd”.
While he has typically been measured in his praise of Liverpool over the years, despite his obvious links with their arch-rivals, Neville’s stance has changed this season.
That was highlighted during and after the Reds’ 0-0 draw with United, as fans criticized his comment as “unbearable” during the 4-2 win over Newcastle on New Year’s Day.
It continued after United’s 2-2 draw at home to Tottenham on Sunday, with Neville backing Spurs to finish above Liverpool this season.
Will the Spurs finish in the top four? ?
Jamie Redknapp says he’d rather win the FA Cup than finish in the top four? pic.twitter.com/w4LNUeYtpg
– Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 14, 2024
The draw left Tottenham five points behind the Premier League leaders, having played a game more, but the 48-year-old insisted: “I think if they keep their players fit, they are a certainty.” [for top four].
“Absolute certainty [for top four]and I think they can reach two and three.
“I think actually when you look at them, with those five or six players fit and back, if they can get through the next few weeks, I really think they could be better than Arsenal and Liverpool this season.”
The default assumption is that Man City will win the title, but Neville’s claim that Spurs, who have won four of their last 11 league games, can finish above the current leaders is embarrassing.
That was the opinion of Liverpool fans on social media.
For Gary Neville to say that Spurs will finish above Liverpool if they keep everyone fit is mind-boggling, and a critique of how bitter and lacking in impartiality he has started to become? pic.twitter.com/9xehSfp6kn
– Gray (@GMU12PHY) January 14, 2024
Gary Neville just said that if Spurs get all their players fit, they can finish above #LFC. Although he didn’t mention what #LFC could do if they got all their players fit… The man is losing a lot of credibility every week. .
– AnfieldUrchin (@Anfield_Urchin) January 14, 2024
Gary Neville says Spurs could still finish second or third and above Liverpool ????????????????????????????????? ?????? ??????????????????????????????
– lfcalsty99 (@lfcalsty99) January 14, 2024
Of course, Neville believes Spurs can finish above Liverpool. Of course he does.
– Tim Bolton (@TimBolton1981) January 14, 2024
Of course Neville believes Spurs can finish above Arsenal and Liverpool, he has to try to justify to himself that United were dominated at home by a team that will be at the top when in reality they are a team that has been there for 6 months on a new journey and will probably finish 4th
– Marty Sikora (@marty_sikora) January 15, 2024
Gary Neville just said Spurs could still finish second or third ahead of Liverpool!
What an absolute tool! ??#LFC #Spurs
– Sajad (@SajadIqballLFC) January 14, 2024
That is why bad faith actors from Manchester are not taken into account in all matters related to Liverpool. https://t.co/rrkbhCXgIB
– Neil Atkinson (@Knox_Harrington) January 14, 2024
I always say that when Liverpool lose points it’s best to let the dust settle a little before going on social media because 9 times out of 10 you’ll look like a triggered crybaby.
Gary Neville lives on TV as a paid football pundit after United failed to win a game pic.twitter.com/TRfAcKYoaY
– Andythered83 (@AndyGni) January 15, 2024
Of course, if viewers followed the predictions of experts like Neville week after week, the lack of consistency would be astonishing.
But this latest shot in the dark has so little substance that the Sky Sports stalwart was rightly criticised, even in the studio, when Jamie Redknapp interrupted his suggestion that Spurs should be grateful for a defeat to Man City in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
Responding to the criticism, and pointing out that Liverpool are currently the best despite losing nine senior players to injuries and internationals, Neville called Reds fans a “sensitive crowd”.
What a sensitive crowd you are these days. The reason I said Spurs “could” (repeat could) finish above you is that they can have a clear run and you are in all the competitions!
If this is a ridiculous suggestion, relax and enjoy your PL? https://t.co/JfRySmBiga
– Gary Neville (@GNev2) January 15, 2024
“You are such a sensitive mob these days,” he wrote on Twitter.
“The reason I said Spurs ‘could’ (repeat) finish above you is because they can have a clear run and you’re in all the competitions!
“If this is a ridiculous suggestion, relax and enjoy your Gary Neville embarrasses himself with title claim – calls Liverpool fans “sensitive mob” – Liverpool FC.”
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