/ 22 February 2006

Gary Neville fires back after being fined

Gary Neville hit back at the Football Association after being fined £5 000 pounds and warned about his future conduct following

his over the top celebrations at Manchester United’s late winner against Liverpool last month.

The 31-year-old United captain was found guilty of improper conduct — which saw him run the length of the Old Trafford pitch to celebrate Rio Ferdinand’s match-winning header in front of the opposition fans — by an FA disciplinary hearing.

Neville did not attend the hearing in person but gave evidence via video link.

However, that did not stop the fiery England international defender — known as ”Red Nev” for his player power stances whether at club or international level — from launching a stinging attack at the FA following the verdict.

”I am extremely disappointed,” the 77-times capped defender told the Manchester United website.

”I believe it is a poor decision, not just for me but for all footballers. Being a robot, devoid of passion and spirit is obviously the way forward.

”And I ask the authorities, ‘Where is football being taken?”’

Neville was pilloried by Liverpool fans at last Saturday’s FA Cup tie, which Liverpool won 1-0, and had various objects thrown at him including half eaten hamburgers. – Sapa-AFP