Source: Telegraph
Gary Neville: crimes and misdemeanours
Tuesday night's gesture towards Carlos Tevez, after his former Manchester United team-mate scored a brace for rivals Manchester City in the Carling Cup, is just one of several misdemeanours the player's career is becoming remembered for. [LNB]For many, he will always be known as one of the games biggest moaners. Former United defender Jaap Stam called him a 'busy ****' in his autobiography, adding "Gary isn't happy unless he can have a good gripe and it's not too long after meeting up that the first shout of 'shut up' is sent flying down the dinner table". [LNB] Related ArticlesGary Neville gesture under scrutinyThe Daily Bung: T?z shows his true coloursManchester United debt is £716mMan City 2 Man United 1The Glazers and Curly Wurlies - more in common than you thinkT?z makes point to NevilleReferees often receive a tongue-lashing from Neville, both on the pitch and off it. [LNB]In October last year, he earned himself a three-match ban for a challenge on Barnley winger Adam Hammill, but rather than accept his punishment in good grace he later described referee Chris Foy's decision as "blatantly wrong". (Watch YouTube) [LNB]However, it is three moments in particular, when United came up against Manchester City and Liverpool, that will stick in the memory. [LNB]Back in 2004, Neville was sent off during United's FA Cup fifth-round victory against Manchester City for 'headbutting' Steve McManaman. [LNB]The right-back dived as he was challenged in the area by Michael Tarnat, and when confronted by a furious McManaman he stuck his head into the City midfielder's face. (Watch YouTube) [LNB]Two years later came the famous goal celebration in front of Liverpool fans. [LNB]He had been subjected to taunts throughout Manchester United's Premier League clash against Liverpool and reacted when Rio Ferdinand headed United's winner by grabbing his shirt and gesticulating at Liverpool supporters, for which he was fined £5,000 by the FA. (Watch YouTube) [LNB]And in September last year Mark Hughes branded Neville a "lunatic" after the defender, who was an unused substitute at the time, cheered United's winner against City on the field of play before racing down the touchline towards the opposition fans. [LNB]He then tried to cover his actions by pretending to warm-up on the way back to the bench. [LNB]Neville was accused of goading City supporters, after Michael Owen's dramatic injury-time winner at Old Trafford: He said: "In football we have become too sensitive. You celebrate a goal because you are winning a football match. Fans give you loads of stick. You give them a bit back. That is football."[LNB]
