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Salford City’s League Two clash with Oldham Athletic was briefly halted on Saturday after protesters invaded the pitch, targeting club co-owner Gary Neville over his recent remarks about patriotism and national identity.
A group of fans entered the field during the first half at the Peninsula Stadium wearing white hoodies emblazoned with the slogan “Gary Neville is a traitor.” Some carried St George’s flags, while one attempted to plant a flag in the centre-circle before being stopped by stewards.
Security staff quickly intervened, removing at least two pitch invaders as the game was paused amid loud chants of “Gary Neville is a w*****” and “England.”
The disruption followed Neville’s recent criticism of the display of Union Jack and St George’s flags across the country. The former Manchester United and England defender, who joined the Labour Party in 2022, argued that such symbols were increasingly being used to divide people.
Neville, 50, has been involved with Salford City since 2014 as part of the ‘Class of ’92’ investment group with former teammates Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt, Phil Neville and Ryan Giggs. He assumed the stake of former majority shareholder Peter Lim in 2024 and, alongside David Beckham, fronted a new consortium in May 2025 to push for the club’s further development.
The Manchester side, promoted to the EFL in 2020, remain inLeague Two after seven seasons in the division. On Friday, they announced the surprise signing of ex-Liverpool and Sunderland forward Fabio Borini, who madehis debut off the bench in the 81st minute as Salford beat Oldham 1–0.
Reports suggest that the pitch invaders were linked to the far-right activist groups. They were restrained by stewards and escorted from the ground by police.
Neville’s comments have sparked criticism among some sections of supporters, with chants also directed at him during England’s recent international fixture in Latvia.
Featured Image Credit: X / @FBAwayDays
