Former Manchester United defender and Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville was presented with a surprise reunion on the Stick to Football podcast and couldn’t believe his eyes
Gary Neville was faced with a forgotten figure from his past this week – an ‘a**ehole’ fan who threw a ball at him 21 years ago. The incident resulted in him being sent off against Everton in April 2005.
The former Manchester United full-back received a red card at Goodison Park after booting the ball into the stands in fury and hitting a child. Neville received his marching orders with United already trailing thanks to Duncan Ferguson’s effort and the Red Devils eventually ended up down to nine men after Paul Scholes picked up a red card following two cautions.
United could not stop Everton’s march into fourth spot and their first league victory against them in more than a decade, but the match will be better remembered for the fiery clash it became as Neville lost his cool.
Neville’s anger was sparked that day by a Toffees fan who launched a ball at him from the stands and that supporter was brought into the Overlap studio this week.
Cooler heads were on show on this occasion as the guest was teased to the Salford City owner with his memory tested. The fan was brought into the studio as the cogs whirred in Neville’s brain.
They first shook hands as the pundit attempted to work out who he was being introduced to. Neville could only stare aghast as he realised, before embracing the fan and bursting into laughter.
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“Where have I met you before?” Neville said. “21 years ago this week, 2005, April. What was I doing?
“Did I boot the ball at you? You a**ehole. Oh my God. Come and sit in for a bit.
Neville’s colleagues, Ian Wright, Jill Scott and Roy Keane arrived in the room, as the anchor explained the situation. “Stand here at the end,” Neville told his former adversary.
“21 years ago I played at Goodison Park, the ball goes into the stand. I’m right back, some guy – him- picks it up and launches the ball at me.
“It hits me there, in the stomach and it bounces at my feet and I just boot it at his head. But I missed him and hit a kid.”