Nottingham Forest have taken the extraordinary step of banning Sky Sports lead pundit Gary Neville from The City Ground for their pivotal Premier League match against Chelsea, sources confirmed to the broadcaster.
The club, chasing a Champions League spot, has requested Sky replace its commentary team, citing concerns over a hostile reception from fans due to Neville’s recent critical remarks.
The decision follows what Forest perceive as “aggressive messaging” from Neville on social media, which they believe was intended to undermine the club’s impressive progress this season. The former Manchester United defender’s comments have fueled tensions, with Forest’s management suspecting a personal bias against the club, its board, and its leadership.
Forest have lodged a formal complaint with Sky, who had previously announced Neville’s role in covering Sunday’s high-stakes encounter. The club has since made its stance clear, signaling their unwillingness to host the pundit.
The Premier League is aware of the situation but will not intervene, as clubs retain the right to control access to their grounds. The clash, critical for both teams’ European ambitions, is set to proceed under heightened scrutiny.