Jamie Carragher has sided with Gary Neville in his Twitter debate with Gary Lineker over whether Manchester United players should be lying low after being knocked out of the Champions League.
Neville kick-started the debate on Monday morning when he tweeted his many followers: "I remember a time when United players, managers, executives wouldn't be seen in their local Italian after a draw at home let alone getting knocked out of Europe. This last week we've seen a global tour of F1, Concerts, Cricket and UFC events. This lot are Tone Deaf!"
The statement received backlash, with one of his followers responding: "These players are human beings, do you expect them to stay in their houses in isolation? Expect better from someone who was a player for all those years." To this, the Sky Sports pundit replied: "I expect them to adapt to circumstances and go on holiday but quietly!
Another follower then tweeted him: "Kind of find this a bit deranged that players are not allowed to live their lives outside of work. Not a great message to be sending." And Neville again replied: "No, they are. They can go on holiday, relax, take time off.
"However, if you've been knocked out of the Champions League, FA Cup, League cup and floundering in the League I wouldn't think it's too much to ask to lie low a bit!"
Match of the Day host Lineker then took it upon himself to respond to Neville, pointing out that social media didn't exist when they both played football, making it easier to stay under the radar. "True, they were mostly busy getting hammered down the pub without everyone being on social media to spy on them," he tweeted.
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Neville hit back: "Not sure the spy needs to work too hard at test matches, F1, boxing and UFC," to which Lineker replied: "Do you really think that's a problem? Going to watch other sports has always been a thing. A positive thing at that."
Neville responded once again: "Of course, it's not a problem watching other sports. However, do you think it's a good look for the owner (who hasn't been to Manchester for an age) to be at the F1 and meeting the Dubai elite about their sporting ambitions with United's current situation?" Adding: "Would you not adjust your plans if you had suffered a bad defeat as a player to maybe lie low?"
Lineker appeared to have given up biting back at this point, but hours later replied: "Never. Ever. Why would you?"
Joining the debate, Neville's Sky Sports co-pundit Carragher leapt to the Manchester United legend's defence, explaining: "Because you're that disappointed with a result or your own performance that you can't face people. You couldn't enjoy yourself as you can't get the game out of your head. I can't believe you've never felt like that or changed your plans for a night out."
Among other things, Neville was apparently frustrated by the sight of Manchester United co-owner Avram Grant in Bahrain for the Grand Prix during a time of crisis at Old Trafford.
