England women’s national team manager Phil Neville.Getty Images
- Phil Neville deleted his Twitter account after controversial tweets he posted over five years ago re-emerged.
- Neville was recently appointed manager of the England women’s national team.
- In 2011 he joked about domestic violence and in 2012 tweeted a sexist joke.
England women’s national team coach Phil Neville has deleted his Twitter account.
A former Manchester United and Everton midfielder who went on to coach United, Salford City, and Valencia, 41-year-old Neville historically tweeted under the holder @fizzer18.
However, he removed himself from the social media platform on Tuesday night, according to the Guardian, after tweets he had published years ago recirculated following his appointment as manager of England women.
In one tweet, Neville appeared to joke about domestic violence. In another, he said women were hypocrites for wanting equality but not wanting to pay bills.
“Relax I’m back chilled — just battered the wife!!! Feel better now!” Neville said in a tweet sent in 2011, according to The Guardian.
Another post sent on December 3, 2012 reportedly said: “U women of always wanted equality until it comes to paying the bills #hypocrites.”
Neville succeeds Mark Sampson, the women’s manager who was sacked in September 2017 for “unacceptable behaviour” relating to FA investigations into racist behaviour.
Despite his past sentiments, Neville claims to be thrilled about his new role. He said of the three-year-deal: “I’m honoured to be given the chance to lead England. This squad’s on the verge of something special and I believe I can lead them to the next level.”
Update: Phil Neville apologised in an FA statement via the BBC. He said his previous tweets were not “a true and genuine reflection of either my character or beliefs.”
He added: “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.”
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