Gary Neville involved in bizarre exchange on X with forgotten Liverpool flop as he asks ‘you okay?’

Gary Neville has found himself in an unusual conflict on social media with former Liverpool and Southampton striker Rickie Lambert.

Lambert, who is 42, had a 19-year career in professional football, progressing from non-League to the Premier League. After scoring 117 goals in 235 matches for Southampton, he realized his dream move to Liverpool in 2014. He only spent one season at Anfield before transferring to West Brom and Cardiff, and he retired in 2017.

Since his retirement, Lambert has been vocal on social media, often sharing contentious views. For example, he once suggested that speaking positively to water could purify it. Recently, he has stirred debate by criticizing Gary Neville’s stance on the proposed independent football regulator (IFR) in England.

Neville addressed concerns about England possibly being excluded from UEFA competitions such as Euro 2028 if the government implements the IFR, posting on X: “I don’t post much anymore but feel compelled to address this. Don’t be misled by the scaremongering about the regulator and England losing tournaments. They will do anything to prevent it and are spreading misinformation. The Regulator will not affect the Premier League’s quality but will safeguard the broader game. Even if England lost hosting rights, protecting English club football is more important than hosting a tournament every 50 years.”

Lambert responded with a provocative post. Now working as an academy coach at Wigan Athletic, Lambert wrote: “It’s becoming clear who and what you are @GNev2. Instead of uniting the football community to oppose what is being forced upon us, you use your position to persuade people to accept a corrupt, cowardly plan that threatens our way of life and society.” Neville replied briefly with “You okay Rickie?” along with two crying-laughing emojis. Lambert responded, “I’m good Gary. Have you seen what your friends are doing to this country? Why would you allow them to get involved in our game?”

UEFA has recently raised concerns with the UK’s culture secretary, Lisa Nandy, about the Independent Football Regulator (IFR), which is part of the Football Governance Bill introduced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer in July. This bill seeks to improve financial stability in football and prevent clubs from joining controversial breakaway leagues like the European Super League.

Neville had dismissed fears on X about England being barred from UEFA competitions such as Euro 2028 due to the IFR. He argued that the regulator would not impact the quality of the Premier League but would protect the overall football ecosystem, asserting that even if England lost hosting rights, ensuring the protection of English club football was more critical.

The introduction of the IFR has sparked concerns about possible UEFA sanctions against English teams, with UEFA advocating for no government intervention in football governance. In response, a UK government spokesperson stated that the Football Governance Bill would establish a new regulator focused on fans and governance issues, aiming to ensure the long-term viability of English football for local communities.