THE Premier League and Sky Sports have engaged in high-level talks following Nottingham Forest’s controversial decision to ban Gary Neville.
Sky had initially planned for Neville to be at the City Ground for this afternoon’s crucial clash between Forest and Chelsea.
They were later informed by Forest that Neville, 50, would be denied accreditation for the match.
According to the Mail, the decision has prompted “alarm” among broadcasters and the Premier League.
The latest domestic TV deal saw Sky land four of five packages as they and TNT Sports combined for a four-year, £6.7billion contract.
Further talks have reportedly been set, with the Premier League, Sky Sports and TNT Sports all concerned over the precedent set by Forest’s decision.
Neville recently criticised Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis, calling the Greek’s on-pitch row with boss Nuno Espirito Santo “scandalous”.
Marinakis claimed to have been seething following the 2-2 draw with already-relegated rivals Leicester due to the decision to initially allow Taiwo Awoniyi to keep playing following a worrying collision with the post.
Awoniyi was later placed in an induced coma after requiring surgery on a ruptured intestine.
Neville posted at the time: “What the Forest owner has just done on the pitch over at the City Ground is absolutely scandalous.
“If I was Nuno, I’d be going and having a very strong word with him, because that is an absolute scandal.
“He’s just qualified them for a European competition, and from where that club’s been, and to be remonstrated with on that pitch in front of the club’s fans is an absolute joke.”
Neville later responded to Forest’s decision on social media.
The former Manchester United star wrote: “I was contacted by Sky Sports earlier on in the week and told that I would be commentating at the City Ground on Sunday for the Nottingham Forest v Chelsea match.
“I was informed yesterday by Sky Sports that Nottingham Forest would not give me an accreditation or access to the stadium as a co-commentator. I’ve had no choice but to withdraw from the coverage.
“I’ve dished out my fair share of criticism and praise in the last 14 years of doing this job and have never come close to this unprecedented action.”
‘IT’S DISAPPOINTING’
He continued: “Personally, I think it’s disappointing that a great club like Nottingham Forest have been reduced to making such a decision.
“Whilst they have every right to choose who they let into their own stadium, it’s symptomatic of things that have happened over the last 12 months with the club.
“I wish the coaching staff, players and fans of the club all the best in their quest to achieve Champions League football.”
Neville’s post received several laughing emojis from Jamie Carragher.
While his pal David Beckham cheekily added: “Must of (sic) been something to do with that 7-1 game back in the day,” followed by a laughing emoji.
A Sky Sports spokesperson went on to reveal to SunSport that they had been forced into ripping up their coverage plans for the match.
They said: “Sky Sports was subsequently informed by Nottingham Forest that Gary Neville would be denied accreditation to the match.
“This was an unprecedented and unwelcome step.
“As a result, Sky Sports has decided to revise its production plans and has taken the decision to present the game from Sky Studios in west London.”
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