Leeds United swept aside Salford City in the first round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday evening, but there was a surprising turn of events after the final whistle.
A lot of Leeds fans were willing to praise and show some respect to their long-time adversary Gary Neville.
The former England international was fulfilling his duties as a pundit on Sky Sports’ coverage of the game between Leeds and Salford.
Of course, Neville had every right to be biased in his analysis. He’s a shareholder in Salford City, and he hasn’t been coy about his disdain towards the Yorkshire outfit over the years.
However, he gave a fair and balanced view of the match, and he was full of praise for United and particularly Kalvin Phillips.
Many of the Elland Road faithful couldn’t help but take their hat off to Neville for staying so professional and insightful when talking about two clubs he is clearly very passionate about for one reason or another.
Last night was a night that @GNev2 could have shown a lot of bias towards @SalfordCityFC, but his punditry was top drawer. He was very honest and complimentary towards @LUFC. He is, easily, the best pundit on @SkySports.
— Ross Milner (@RossM86) August 14, 2019
Well done Gary Neville good summary of the match and unbiased review of the match …. from a Leeds fan you are one impressive individual .
— ukogas (@ukogas) August 13, 2019
Other fans had to preface their praise by letting other Twitter users know that they still don’t like the former Manchester United man.
I’ve spent much of my life criticising Gary Neville, but his punditry tonight has been articulate, intelligent, perceptive and fair. These are crazy times.#lufc
— Ian McMullen CISSP (@IMcMullenCISSP) August 13, 2019
For obvious reasons it sticks in my throat to say it, but yet again Gary Neville shows he’s a decent pundit and very honest in his views regardless of past rivalries. ???? #lufc #SalfordCity
— Jo Bedford ???? (@El_Loco_JoJo) August 13, 2019
Another section of the fanbase pointed out how hard it must have been for the 44-year-old to praise a club he so famously dislikes.
Can’t have been easy for @GNev2 to compliment @LUFC as he did but fair play to him,says it as it is ???????????????????????????????? top pundit ????????
— Adam Leverton (@levertonadam1) August 13, 2019
Bet it killed him having to praise us ????????
— Paul Fisher ???????? (@greenfishertwit) August 13, 2019