Gary Neville says he'd happily go on Arsenal Fan TV to defend Arsene Wenger's record as Chelsea loss leaves Gunners out of title raceÂ
- Gary Neville defended Arsene Wenger as Arsenal were beaten 3-1 by Chelsea
- Sky Sports pundit described fans venting their frustrations as 'embarrassing'
- YouTube channel Arsenal Fan TV has invited Neville to chat with them
- Former Manchester United star said he'd be 'very happy' to go on the showÂ
- Read:Â Arsenal fan tension, failure to insert recall option in Jack Wilshere deal and contract issues surrounding key stars... 10 problems at the Emirates
Gary Neville says he would be 'happy' to make an appearance on Arsenal Fan TV to defend his view that Gunners fans who criticise manager Arsene Wenger are 'embarrassing.'
The Sky Sports pundit was leaving Stamford Bridge following Arsenal's 3-1 defeat to Chelsea on Saturday and overheard supporters venting their frustrations in front of YouTube channel's cameras.
Neville said: 'I walked out the Chelsea ground yesterday and there was a couple of these Arsenal fan TV camera things everywhere and to be honest it was embarrassing listening to it and watching it.
Gary Neville defended Arsene Wenger's record after Arsenal lost 3-1 to Chelsea on Saturday
Wenger had to watch from the stands at Stamford Bridge as his Arsenal side were beaten
'I was watching Chelsea fans take the mickey out of them which was a bit funny and I was watching Arsenal fans slating and slanging into him [Wenger] and I thought to myself, he doesn't deserve that, that's the one thing he doesn't deserve - he's done an unbelievable job.'
During his commentary stint at Stamford Bridge, Neville had also blasted an Arsenal fan who was holding up a 'Enough is enough, time to go' banner, calling him an 'idiot.'
In a letter to the Sun, the fan, Kane Hopps responded: 'Any paying fan of any club is well within their rights to voice their views respectfully and I am shocked you actually said that on live TV infront of millions.'
He continued: 'You said that I pre-empted the result by bringing the banner. This isn’t just a knee jerk reaction based on one result or one season.
Saturday's defeat left Arsenal fourth in the Premier League table, 12 points behind Chelsea
'It’s a stale repetition of not only the same result, but the same performances, the same lack of mental and physical strength to win when it matters, and the same annual “Arsenal Crumble” when it comes to the nitty-gritty of the season.'Â
As a result, Neville has been invited onto Arsenal Fan TV to expand on his view, and said he would be 'very happy' to make a guest appearance.
Robbie Lyle from the fan channel, on a YouTube post, said: 'Neville's been having a go at Arsenal Fan TV on Sky Sports saying that fans shouldn't be slating off the manager of the football club.
One furious Arsenal fan held up a 'time to go' banner, leading Neville to call him an 'idiot'
'Fans pay their money and go to watch their club week in, week out, up and down the country everywhere. So because they're not as articulate as you and haven't got on a suit and in a Sky Sports studio, they're not allowed to say anything and just be quiet?
'It's time for pundits like you to get in touch with real fans. We have a voice and we're not going away.'
Neville was asked on Twitter whether he would consider making an appearance on Arsenal Fan TV and he replied 'be very happy to...'
The YouTube channel then replied: 'The balls in Gary's court. We'd welcome him to come and state his opinion as we respect all opinions.'
Despite another meek surrender to Chelsea that ended Arsenal's title hopes, Neville came out in defence of Wenger and praised him for delivering Champions League football consistently over the past two decades.
Speaking on Sky Sports, the former Manchester United defender said: 'Arsene Wenger's biggest challenge is that he's been there such a long time and there's always that sort of grass is greener.
'If Arsene Wenger was Jurgen Klopp and he was currently above Manchester City, above Liverpool, above Manchester United that have spent nearly ÂŁ150-200million between them we'd be saying he's doing a great job.
'At the start of the season, forget Arsene Wenger's the manager, and Arsenal are there, you could argue the profile of the players would change if a new manager comes in, they could end up in eighth or seventh could Arsenal. With their budget, they potentially could.
'If Arsene Wenger was Jurgen Klopp now, we'd be saying he's doing a good job, because he's 18 months in. Actually, is Arsene Wenger not just doing a great job full stop? And I have to question that.'
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