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Matty Hewitt

Garth Crooks hits out at Ruben Neves over Newcastle United incident

Garth Crooks has hit out at Ruben Neves' 'pathetic' outburst following the 1-1 draw at Molineux over a week ago. Newcastle have played twice since then, but the BBC pundit has made his feelings clear about the Wolves' captain.

The Portuguese international claimed Fabian Schar should have been sent off for a foul on Wolves forward Pedro Neto, much to Crooks' disagreement. He told the BBC : "Is this what it's come to? Players accepting interviews in order to squeal on other professionals about their challenges in a football match?

"The last time I looked players were paid to play but it would appear Wolves captain Ruben Neves wants to be judge and jury as well. Besides, the incident was dealt with by the referee; Newcastle's Fabian Schar was booked for his tackle on Pedro Neto in their game on 28 August.

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"Yes, the challenge was high and it was late too, but to say it 'nearly broke his leg' is like suggesting a woman is nearly pregnant - and by the way when did Ruben Neves qualify as a doctor or physiotherapist? How would he know?

"Every challenge ever made on a football pitch has the potential of causing irreparable damage to a another player. A professional footballer has no business being on the pitch if he's not prepared to accept the risks connected with playing the game.

"What makes the game so engaging is its passion and, on occasions, tackles that appear on the edge or worse. However, the person responsible for dealing with those incidents is the referee.

"Players can argue and disagree with him but to use your time in a post-match interview to whinge about an opponent's challenge, and why he thought that player was no longer worthy of remaining on the pitch, is pathetic. It was also well outside the standards of professional football etiquette between players.

"I'm astonished Neves didn't know that or the communication team at Wolves didn't tell him."

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