England Women’s head coach, Phil Neville has apologised in light of historical tweets which have emerged since his new post was confirmed on Tuesday.
The former Manchester United, Everton and England defender deleted his account following his appointment. The Fa are now under mounting pressure to justify their decision to hire the 41-year-old.
Neville is being introduced to his new charges at a training camp in Spain and is not scheduled to meet the media until next week. But, with a London MP calling today for his resignation, there is a growing urgency for Neville to quell the storm.
One of Neville’s tweets said: ‘Just battered the wife!!! Feel better now.” Stephen Pound, Labour MP for Ealing North, told Talksport: “You can’t joke about wife-beating.”
In a statement released via The Fa, Neville said: “Following comments made a number of years ago I would like to clarify that they were not and are not a true and genuine reflection of either my character or beliefs, and would like to apologise.
“I am fully aware of my responsibilities as the England Women’s Head Coach and am immensely proud and honoured to have been given the role. I am now looking forward to the future and will work tirelessly to try and help bring success to the team.”
