Manchester United Football Club News

• Nickname:Red Devils
• Founded:1878
• Manager:Sir Alex Ferguson

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Neville hits back at critics

26 Sep 2009 - 11:07:40

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Manchester United veteran Gary Neville insists players should be able to celebrate goals as they wish.

Neville, who has had brushes with Liverpool fans in the past, was accused of taunting Manchester City fans after Michael Owen's dramatic stoppage-time winner in last Sunday's 4-3 derby victory for Sir Alex Ferguson's side at Old Trafford.

Earlier in the month, City striker Emmanuel Adebayor was criticised for his celebrations after scoring in his side's 4-2 win against Arsenal.

Neville is mystified by the recent incidents, telling the Daily Telegraph: "In football we've become too sensitive.

"You celebrate a goal because you're winning a football match. Fans give you loads of stick. You give them a bit back. That's football.

"You'd have to ask Adebayor his motives but all I can say is that my motives are passion and winning.

"To be honest, we've lost games at the last minute. I've been to Man City and given goals away and you get abused for it. That's fine. It's part and parcel of the game."