Gary Neville defends decision to work for Qatari state-run broadcaster beIN SPORTS at World Cup as he hints he will discuss human rights issues and says payday ‘will make no difference to me’ as he’s urged to donate wage to charity
- Gary Neville, 47, is working for beIN SPORTS during the upcoming World Cup
- He has been ribbed because Labour are set to boycott the tournament
- Neville insists he is not doing it for money and will challenge issues there
- Sir Keir Starmer said he plans to watch the tournament at home next month
- Shadow Sport Secretary Lucy Powell turned down an invitation from Qatari Government to attend tournament because of country’s human rights record
Gary Neville insists money from a Qatari state-run sports broadcaster to cover the World Cup ‘makes no difference to him’ – and reckons he will challenge the country’s abhorrent human right laws.
In a punchy social media debate, the 47-year-old former Manchester United defender, rejected accusations of poor decision making for working for beIN SPORTS.
At one point he was even urged to donate his wage to charity, but he fired back to reveal he had already given £250,000 to good causes in the past year.
The row was sparked after Neville, who made 400 appearances for Man U, was ribbed about the Labour Party’s boycott of the tournament.
Adam Brooks, who describes himself as a publican and social commentator, asked him he felt awkward.
Neville took the bait and insisted: ‘I don’t do awkward. That’s the position the Labour Party MP’s should take.
Sky Sports man Gary Neville, 47, is working for beIN SPORTS during the upcoming World Cup
Former Man U player has been ribbed because Labour are set to boycott the tournament
Labour’s boycott prompted a lively row between Neville and some of his detractors on Twitter
‘Are you one of those that thinks everyone has to be the same within the same team? I’m not.
‘I will go over and enjoy the football and speak about all the issues that face a World Cup in the Middle East and Qatar.’
When another Twitter user piled in to ask if his wage helped him make his decision to go, Neville fired back: ‘If you think I make decisions based on money you’re wrong but happy for you to go with it!
‘The money will make no difference to me whatsoever.’
When this was followed up with a suggestion he should give his wage to charity, Neville appeared to rule it out – on the basis of his generosity so far this year.
He declared: ‘I donated over £250,000 to charity in the last 12 months. You?’
Labour leader Keir Starmer is understood to have told his MPs that he will not publicly call for a political boycott of the finals, believing that is a decision for the government, but has confirmed the party will not be sending anyone
Shadow sports secretary Lucy Powell has told how she has turned down an invitation to attend the tournament, which begins next month
It all came after it was revealed today Labour were boycotting the forthcoming World Cup football tournament in Qatar.
The decision is in protest at the deaths of thousands of migrant workers and the criminalisation of homosexuality.
Shadow sports secretary Lucy Powell has told how she has turned down an invitation to attend the tournament, which begins next month.
Leader Sir Keir Starmer has also pledged to watch the tournament at home ‘on the sofa’ when it starts on November 20.
Ms Powell recently received an invitation from the Qatari government, but says she is turning it down because of the country’s human rights record.
She told The Mail on Sunday: ‘Of course I am looking forward to the World Cup and I’ll be cheering England on.
‘But we cannot avert our eyes from the problems in Qatar.
‘Dozens of construction workers have been killed putting this tournament on, and LGBT England and Wales fans are having to put up with the tournament being played in a country where their sexuality is criminalised.
With just weeks before the start of the tournament, the debate over the decision to stage the prestigious event in Qatar continues to rage
Construction workers pictured on Khalifa International Stadium as work to build the stadium continues rapidly ahead of the event
‘I’m excited to cheer on the England team from my sitting room and from my local pub.’
Starmer is understood to have told his MPs that he will not publicly call for a political boycott of the finals, believing that is a decision for the government, but has confirmed the party will not be sending anyone.
With just weeks before the start of the tournament, the debate over the decision to stage the prestigious event in Qatar continues to rage.
The Mail on Sunday revealed how David Beckham was at the centre of widespread criticism after he accepted a £10 million deal to be an ambassador for the tournament.
The country has faced huge controversy over its human rights record, particularly its attitude towards women and gay people.
Qatar has also come under heavy scrutiny from human rights groups over its treatment of migrant workers.
Rights groups have also highlighted that homosexuality is illegal in Qatar with Amnesty International saying women and LGBTQ+ people ‘continue to face discrimination in law and practice’.
BBC Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker last week said he wanted to see a Premier League player come out as gay during the Qatar World Cup to send a strong message to a host nation where homosexuality remains a crime.
England captain Harry Kane and his Welsh counterpart Gareth Bale have both vowed to wear ‘One Love’ armbands during games to make an anti-discrimination statement.
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