(Credit: Imago)

Jack Heath

Wed 13 August 2025 19:19, UK

Nottingham Forest have pushed for guarantees from Sky Sports over Gary Neville after he was banned by the club at the end of last season.

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The former Man United captain was prohibited access to the City Ground after he slammed the conduct of Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis – who appeared to confront Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo on the pitch after their draw with Leicester last campaign (11 May).

Consequently, the Englishman’s outburst led to the club banning him from the stadium for Forest’s final game of the 2024-25 season against Chelsea, sparking widespread alarm amongst Sky and the Premier League.

Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider that Neville should’ve got “on the phone to Marinakis and apologised after being “out of order” with his comments.

As the new season fast approaches, Sky and the ex-England international still wait on a verdict from the Garibaldis.

According to a report by The Guardian (13 August), the two parties are yet to resolve the quarrel before the new Premier League season starts, wanting “assurances from the Sky Sports pundit” before being allowed back into the City Ground.

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The Guardian understands that Sky “should not expect Neville to be accommodated as things stand”, with Forest wanting to “resolve the issue” provided the pundit is “more careful in his language” when talking about the Greek owner.

Sky believe that the ban was a “one-off”, yet it appears that further talks will be required to sort out the “standoff”.

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Football Insider verdict

Whilst the ongoing feud between Neville and Marinakis blazes on, Espirito Santo will be more concerned about his team’s performance on-the-pitch as they prepare to compete in the Europa League next season.

After a sensational campaign last time out, the club are struggling in front of goal in pre-season which is no surprise considering the side’s xG overperformance last year.

In seven matches in pre-season, the Portuguese’s side have scored just one goal, lacking any kind of goal threat in the final third.

ClubClean sheetsLiverpool14Man City13Newcastle13Arsenal13Nottingham Forest13The best defensive sides in the 2024-25 Premier League season (Source: Premier League)

Their defensive first approach is clearly costing the club dearly going forward, although on the plus side they’ve kept five clean sheets.

Indeed, a resolute backline is a critical part of any successful side, yet, Chris Wood will be extremely worried regarding his lack of service, notching the only goal in preparation for the 2025-26 season.

Potentially, the loss of Anthony Elanga to Newcastle is still being felt as new boy Dan Ndoye continues to adapt to his new club after moving from Bologna.

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