Euro 2020: Gary Neville sparks Ofcom complaints after Boris Johnson leadership dig

Gary Neville’s dig at Boris Johnson has sparked Ofcom complaints (Picture: PA; ITV; Reuters)

Gary Neville hit a nerve with viewers of ITV’s Euro 2020 coverage last week when he threw shade at Boris Johnson’s leadership.

The former footballer, who appeared on the channel as a pundit, showered Gareth Southgate with praise after England reached the final of the tournament following their game against Denmark.

In turn, Neville made a dig about Prime Minister Johnson, triggering 118 complaints to the television watchdog. It comes just days after Neville accused Johnson of fuelling racism after players Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka were subjected to online abuse.

During the broadcast, which aired on Wednesday, July 7, he said: ‘I have to say Gareth Southgate his team, the staff the players everyone have been absolutely unbelievable and this crowd is mesmerised being in this stadium right now.

‘The standard of leaders in this country over the last couple of years has been poor but looking at that man there that’s everything a leader should be.

‘Respectful, humble, tells the truth, genuine, He’s fantastic Gareth Southgate. He really is unbelievable and has done a great job.’

Neville had said the standard of leaders in the UK ‘was poor’ (Picture: Getty)

At the time, Neville’s comment was praised by many on social media, with one saying it was ‘spot on’.

‘I loved Gary Neville’s comment tonight about how there hasn’t been any real leadership in this country as of late and how Gareth Southgate is demonstrating to everyone how it’s done,’ one Twitter user wrote. ‘That was just brilliant and so spot on!’

Echoing a similar sentiment, another added: ‘Loved Gary Neville’s comment about all the poor leaders in our country and how they should look to Gareth Southgate.’

Gareth Southgate led the England team to the Euro 2020 final (Picture: Getty)

Some, however, voiced their disproval over politicising football.

‘Gary Neville is the only pillock who could turn this triumph into a politically motivated comment in the midst of all this celebration,’ one slammed.

Ofcom confirmed it also received a further 68 complaints over Sam Matterface’s comments that England fans could ‘do what they want’.

Another 43 complained that the commentary on ITV’s channel was not neutral.

More: Boris Johnson

England’s Euro 2020 final against Italy took place on Sunday, with Italy taking home the title after penalties.

Sadly, the mammoth event was marred by scores of ticketless fans trying to break into Wembley, while Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka were subjected to racist abuse on social media.

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