The opening weekend of the League Two season delivered an unexpected social media storm, as Salford City’s disappointing 3-1 home defeat to Crewe Alexandra became secondary to the public mockery of co-owner Gary Neville. The former Manchester United legend, known for his passionate involvement with the club, found himself at the receiving end of a viral taunt that quickly captivated football fans online, highlighting the often-unforgiving nature of the sport’s social landscape.
Salford City, under considerable expectation, began their League Two campaign on a sour note, succumbing to a decisive 3-1 loss against Crewe Alexandra. As the final whistle blew, a visibly dejected Gary Neville was captured in the stands, a poignant image of despair that soon became the focal point of the rival club’s online jest. This moment encapsulated the immediate disappointment felt by the club’s ownership and fanbase alike.
Crewe Alexandra wasted no time in capitalizing on Neville’s visible frustration, quickly posting a picture of him holding up five fingers against a window, ostensibly counting. Their accompanying caption, “Nah it was three Gary,” was a witty and direct jab at Salford’s three goals conceded, serving as a masterclass in social media banter and instantly going viral among football enthusiasts. This direct interaction between rival clubs amplified the narrative beyond a simple match report.
The online community swiftly joined in, with numerous fans and commentators adding their own satirical remarks to Crewe’s post, underscoring how quickly such moments can escalate into widespread public discussion and engagement, showcasing the shared experience of football supporters.
Gary Neville’s journey with Salford City began in 2014 when he, alongside fellow ‘Class of 92’ members Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Phil Neville, and businessman Peter Lim, collectively acquired the club. This high-profile ownership group brought significant attention and ambition to the non-league side, with aspirations of elevating Salford through the football pyramid, transforming a local team into a national story.
Recent developments saw a shift in the club’s ownership structure, with Neville acquiring Peter Lim’s stake in 2024. This year, it was further announced that only Neville and David Beckham remained shareholders from the original ‘Class of 92’ group following a new ownership consortium’s takeover. Despite these changes, Neville’s commitment and emotional investment in Salford City remain unequivocally strong, making him a visible and central figure in its operations.
Neville has consistently demonstrated his deep emotional connection to Salford City, frequently sharing updates and insights into the club’s progress and challenges. His heartbreak was palpable last season when the team narrowly missed out on the play-off places, finishing eighth in the league. This personal stake in the club’s fortunes amplifies the impact of every victory and defeat, particularly those that garner public attention and scrutiny.
Beyond his football ventures, Neville has also diversified his portfolio, establishing Relentless, an investment firm with interests in properties and restaurants, and Buzz 16, a media group responsible for his popular ‘Overlap’ podcast. These enterprises showcase his broader business acumen and media presence, though his enduring passion for football and Salford City remains a cornerstone of his public identity, often leading to moments like the recent viral incident.
