Oli McBurnie has the support of Gary Neville when it comes to his support for Swansea City this weekend.
McBurnie was once again pictured in the away end as the Swans took on Cardiff City. The Blades striker was joining in with chants and was pictured giving out some stick to the opposing Bluebirds fans.
Oli Mcburnie in the Swansea City crowd yesterday. (Photo by Athena Pictures/Getty Images)
However, McBurnie’s actions have come in for criticism from some quarters. Indeed, reports have emerged today that suggest the FA could well choose to reprimand the Blades striker for his behaviour.
But as a potential media storm gathers around the Scotland striker, Gary Neville has taken time out to support McBurnie.
SAKA, ANTONY AND 10 PREMIER LEAGUE STARS HEADING TO THEIR FIRST WORLD CUP
Taking to his Twitter account, Neville said the scrutiny on McBurnie was ‘a disgrace’.
That’s a disgrace . This lad has done the most normal thing I’ve seen from a footballer for a long time . He goes to support his team and is pictured , filmed and ends up with this . https://t.co/3FitxruGlV
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) January 13, 2020
McBurnie scored the winner for Sheffield United as they saw off West Ham on Friday evening. Having moved to Bramall Lane from Swansea in the summer, the striker has made a habit of going back to see his former club.
Blown out of proportion
This is just one of those typical stories where news outlets are looking for a reaction and looking to make an example of a high profile name.
Yes, McBurnie has had his misdemeanours previously. He was arrested for drink driving earlier in the season which is, of course, inexcusable.
However, this is just an example of a young guy enjoying a day out with his mates. He’d done his job on the Friday and was obviously on a well-earned day off from the Blades. What he does in his own time is down to him and him alone.
Gary Neville has backed Oli McBurnie over the ‘incident’ at Cardiff. (Photo by Rich Linley – CameraSport via Getty Images)
There are those making the case that he should be a role model and know better. But McBurnie will have been fully aware he was under the microscope and being watched yesterday.
He did little wrong. If this is the route we are going to go down with footballers, then we are at risk of trying to pigeon hole them into not having a life outside of the game.
