Portland Timbers fans call on team NOT to hire Phil Neville over coach’s ‘history of sexist public statements’ and lack of ‘proven track record’
- Phil Neville is reportedly in ‘advanced talks’ to become Portland Timbers coach
- The Timbers Army said they were ‘deeply disappointed’ and urged a rethink
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Portland Timbers supporters have urged the team to ‘reconsider’ possibly hiring Phil Neville over the coach’s ‘history of sexist public statements.’
Neville is reportedly close to making a return to MLS, with the former coach of Inter Miami in ‘advanced talks’ to become the next boss of Portland.
News of Neville’s possible arrival has sparked opposition among the Timbers Army, an independent supporters group of the MLS team.
‘The Portland Timbers are currently rebuilding a team on the pitch in addition to their ongoing efforts to rebuild trust with their fans and the community,’ a statement read.
‘We are deeply disappointed that the club has reportedly settled on a finalist for head coach who has a history of sexist public statements that run counter to our ethos as a club, city and supporters’ group.’
Portland Timbers supporters have urged the team to ‘reconsider’ possibly hiring Phil Neville
The group also accused Neville of lacking ‘a proven track record as a manager.’
The statement continued: ‘We urge the Timbers to reconsider this hire and re-evaluate other candidates before finalizing a contract.’
Neville was forced to apologize back in 2018 over a string of sexist tweets that resurfaced shortly after he was named England women’s coach.
In 2012 the 46-year-old wrote: ‘Morning men couple of hours cricket be4 (before) work sets me up nicely for the day.’
Later, when asked why he only referred to men, he replied: ‘When I said morning men I thought the women would of [sic] been busy preparing breakfast/getting kids ready/making the beds-sorry morning women!’
Another Tweet read: ‘Relax I’m back chilled – just battered the wife!!! Feel better now!’ while one message from December 2012 said: ‘U women of [Sic] always wanted equality until it comes to paying the bills #hypocrites’
Neville was axed by Inter Miami in June shortly before Lionel Messi joined the side.
Portland recently fired Gio Savarese, who led the club to MLS Cup appearances in 2018 and 2021.
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