Gary Neville in bizarre social media spat with ex-Liverpool striker

Gary Neville was in a social media bust-up with ex-Liverpool striker Rickie Lambert regarding the government’s proposed independent football regulator.

Neville, 49, is a long-time supporter of the introduction of the IFR (independent football regulator), a public body that seeks to oversee the running of English football.

The bill, thought up under Rishi Sunak’s Conservative government and supported by Sir Keir Starmer’s new leadership, was created following the European Super League debacle.

According to The Times, however, UEFA have warned the U.K. government that the creation of such a watchdog could see England and English clubs banned from European competitions.

England and the Republic of Ireland were confirmed as hosts for Euro 2028 last year, and could now be set to be kicked.

Theodore Theodoridis, general secretary of UEFA sent a letter to culture secretary Lisa Nandy earlier this month (September) stating that there should be “no government interference in the running of football.”

Gary Neville in heated exchange with ex-Liverpool forward Rickie Lambert

Since hanging up his boots, Lambert has become active on social media, with the striker often airing controversial opinions on X, formerly known as Twitter.

The ex-striker has once again courted controversy by hitting out at Neville for his views on the proposed IFR and UEFA’s response.

Neville initially posted, “I don’t post much anymore but feel the need to on this subject. Please don’t be fooled by the scaremongering regarding the independent regulator and England losing tournaments.

“They will do anything to stop it coming in and are happy to create misinformation and apply soft power in the right places in the meantime.

The Regulator will have no impact at all on the quality of the Premier League yet will importantly protect the wider game and pyramid.

“England will also not lose hosting tournaments, but even if they did it’s more important that we protect the entirety of English club football than getting a tournament every 50 years.”

To which Lambert then responded, “It’s becoming clear exactly who and what you are @GNev2.

“Instead of using the footballing community to come together and stop what is being implemented onto us, you are using your position to try and persuade them to accept the corrupt, cowardly shadow governments plan to destroy our way of life and society.”

Neville immediately hit back, saying, “You okay Rickie?”, followed by two crying-laughing emojis.

Clearly unimpressed with the ex-Man United defender’s response, Lambert said, “I’m good Gary, you seen what your mates doing to this country? Why would you let them anywhere near our game?”

In other news, Bruno Fernandes sends message to Jadon Sancho after what he did for Chelsea.

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The post Gary Neville in bizarre social media spat with ex-Liverpool striker appeared first on Football Insider.