League One sides join ‘self-interest festival of football’ – Neville

Gary Neville

MANCHESTER United legend Gary Neville has accused Sunderland and their League One promotion rivals of ‘entering the self-interest party of football.’

Peterborough United chairman Darragh MacAnthony released a statement on Thursday confirming a group of League One clubs are determined for the season to resume when it is safe to do so, as football continues to decide how best to proceed amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Ahead of a meeting of League One clubs yesterday, MacAnthony confirmed Sunderland, as well as Oxford, Fleetwood, Portsmouth, Ipswich and Peterborough, have no desire to void the current League One campaign.

Meanwhile, Rochdale Chief Executive David Bottomley suggested the league should be decided on a points-per-game mechanism, while Southend United chairman Ron Martin called for the season to be declared null and void.

Neville, who part owns League Two side Salford City, has consistently reiterated the health of players, staff and fans of EFL clubs should be paramount in any decision-making and accused League One clubs of acting in self-interest.

The television pundit said: “L1 just entered the ‘Self Interest festival of football.’

“Clubs at the top of each league: ‘Health first but we must re-start’.

“Clubs at the bottom: ‘Health first and no way we can re-start and we cannot be relegated without playing.’ Utterly depressing to watch!”

Sunderland were in promotion contention prior to League One’s suspension but were sat outside the play-off places in seventh position.