Gary Neville, ex-Manchester United player and Sky Sports pundit, has staunchly defended Sir Keir Starmer amidst criticism over football-related gifts. Tory MPs have condemned the Prime Minister for accepting £12,588 worth of Premier League freebies, including Arsenal match tickets valued over £6,000.
Neville, an England international with 85 caps, assured Sky News that Starmer had “not done anything wrong.” He emphasised that attending Arsenal games with his family is Starmer’s primary way to unwind. Neville expressed surprise at the intense scrutiny, calling it disproportionate. He noted that Starmer has long been a regular at Arsenal matches, paying for season tickets for many years, and this outing with his family is his weekly respite.
In a conversation two years ago at the Labour Party conference, Neville asked Starmer about his escapes from politics. Starmer mentioned his weekly visits to Arsenal with his sons as his solitary break. Despite paying for his tickets historically, security now necessitates that he uses a hospitality box as the Prime Minister.
‘@RishiSunak‘s £40m helicopter contract seems to have been forgotten about. We’ll concentrate on a few tickets for an @Arsenal match’
Gary Neville suggests to @harry_horton that @Keir_Starmer is unfairly being given a ‘rough ride’ for accepting gifts pic.twitter.com/iyHufQSsgs
— ITV News Politics (@ITVNewsPolitics) September 23, 2024
Neville questioned the backlash, pointing out that numerous individuals have enjoyed hospitality at football grounds for decades without issue. He found it nonsensical that a genuine football fan like Starmer cannot watch his team with his children due to his political position. Neville also highlighted the Conservative government’s actions, such as Rishi Sunak’s £40m helicopter contract and VIP lanes for suppliers during COVID, which faced far less scrutiny.
At the Labour conference in Liverpool, Neville, now a property developer, supported the redevelopment of Old Trafford alongside Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham. They advocated for public funds to improve the area around the stadium and relocate a nearby freight rail terminal to Merseyside, enhancing local economic prospects.
Neville criticised the Northern Powerhouse concept as mere PR, asserting that real impact could come from redistributing freight to boost capacity in Greater Manchester and Liverpool. This project, he argued, would significantly benefit the local economy.
Burnham added that the redevelopment would result in one of the world’s best stadiums, improved community facilities, and thousands of jobs. He envisioned the project attracting new investors to Greater Manchester, benefiting not just Manchester United supporters but the entire community, including rail passengers who would enjoy more seamless journeys without freight train disruptions.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Express.co.uk details Gary Neville’s defense of Keir Starmer over free football tickets, criticizing excessive scrutiny and comparing it to luxury benefits enjoyed by Conservative ministers without scrutiny. (Read more)
- LBC reports Gary Neville defending Keir Starmer over free Premier League tickets, labeling the donations row a “storm in a teacup,” while emphasizing the absurdity of scrutiny compared to past corruption. (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why is Gary Neville defending Sir Keir Starmer’s football freebies?
Neville believes Starmer did nothing wrong and that the scrutiny is disproportionate.
What gifts did Sir Keir Starmer receive from the Premier League?
Starmer received £12,588 worth of gifts, including over £6,000 in Arsenal match tickets.
What did Gary Neville say about the scrutiny of Starmer’s gifts?
Neville called the scrutiny bizarre and out of proportion.
What is the proposed plan for Old Trafford and its surrounding area?
Neville and Burnham propose redeveloping Old Trafford’s area and relocating a nearby freight rail terminal.
What benefits are expected from the redevelopment of Old Trafford?
The redevelopment aims to boost the local economy, improve community facilities, and create thousands of jobs.
