Forest deny Neville access amid ownership feud

Gary Neville remains at odds with Nottingham Forest over access and comments about owner Evangelos Marinakis.

Forest shut out Neville as feud with Marinakis widens

Gary Neville was barred from entering Nottingham Forest City Ground on the final day of the previous Premier League season as Sky Sports prepared to provide match commentary. Forest reportedly refused his media pass due to concerns about his stance toward owner Evangelos Marinakis. Although Forest have said there is no formal ban, Neville will not be welcomed back until there is agreement over his attitude toward the owner, who has faced criticism from the former United captain. The dispute followed a recent draw with Leicester when Neville criticized Marinakis on the touchline, saying the owner appeared on the pitch at full time in a way some saw as improper. A separate moment came when Sky pundit Jamie Carragher asked whether Neville would be in the East Midlands to cover Forest in their opener against Brentford, and Neville replied that he would not attend that fixture but would appear on Monday Night Football.

The clash reveals a broader tension between the ownership of a club and how it is covered in the media. Forest orders on access show how strong feelings about ownership can spill into the stadium and the press box. Neville remains a polarizing figure for some fans and for administrators who seek clear messaging. The incident raises questions about how clubs manage pundit relationships and gatekeeping. If the parties want stability this summer they need clear rules and open channels. A public statement that resets expectations could help fans and players. For Sky Sports and Neville the feud tests independence in coverage against club sensitivities. The wider lesson is that a club image can hinge on a single pass and a single comment.

Highlights

Time will tell how this shapes season coverage