Sky Sports viewers notice same thing as chants aimed at banned Gary Neville

Nottingham Forest fans on - but were quick to turn the pitchside microphones down to minimise the reaction. Neville has become public enemy number one at the City Ground after becoming .

The Sky Sports co-commentator was the final game of the season against on Sunday after criticising Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis. Neville was critical after to speak with in the aftermath of their damaging 2-2 draw against earlier this month.

He posted on X: "Scandalous from that Forest owner. 'Nuno should go and negotiate his exit tonight with him! The Forest fans, players and manager do not deserve that."

Forest wrote to Sky Sports to register a formal complaint against the ex-Manchester United defender and refused to allow him entry, forcing the broadcaster to replace him on commentary duties with Alan Smith.

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

While he wasn't there for the 4pm kick-off, Neville was still centre stage in the opening minutes as Forest supporters started up a chant. Sky knew what to expect, though, and reacted swiftly to ensure it didn't reach their viewers at home.

“Sky sports muting the crowd microphones as soon as ' is a w*****' chants start," one fan posted on X. “Sky muting the Gary Neville chant...Cant take the criticism," another added. A third wrote: "Sky drowning the crowd volume as Forest fans chant about Gary Neville."

Another chant of "Marinakis, he bans who he wants" went around later in the match, while some wore masks of Neville's face to rub salt in the wound further.

Forest have been left furious by Neville's criticism, pointing out that Marinakis' response in taking to the pitch was out of concern for striker Taiwo Awoniyi, who was seriously injured in a collision with the post.

 

They released a statement which read: "His deep frustration at seeing our player lying on the ground in severe pain - something no one with genuine care could ignore - triggered him to go onto the pitch. It was instinctive, human, and a reflection of just how much this team and its people mean to him. He would do the same again if such an unfortunate event were ever to reoccur.

“The truth of the matter is there was no confrontation, with Nuno or with others, either on the pitch or inside the stadium. There was only shared frustration between all of us that the medical team should never have allowed the player to continue.

“In light of this, we urge former coaches and players, and other public figures in the game, to resist the urge to rush to judgement and fake news online, especially when they do not have the full facts and context. Baseless and ill-informed outrage for the purposes of personal social media traction serves no one - least of all the injured player. We call on these influential voices to show the same respect for player welfare that they often demand from others. Let concern come before commentary.

“At , we believe the mental and physical well-being of our players and coaching staff must always take precedence - over media narratives, inflammatory judgements, and certainly over self-promotion. In moments like these, the game must unite around those who put their bodies and minds on the line every week. That's what real leadership looks like in our game.”

and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our