Inter Miami manager Phil Neville has hit back at disgruntled fans who booed his players, including son Harvey, after a 1-0 home loss to the New York Red Bulls.
Neville and Co haven't had the best of starts to the MLS season and sit bottom of the Eastern Conference after collecting just 15 points in 15 games played. Tom Barlow got the goal for the visitors in the 52nd minute but the Red Bulls managed to avoid an added-time scare when substitute Cameron Harper was sent off.
Neville's son, Harvey, was one of the main targets for abuse, with the 20-year-old booed after his 88th-minute substitution and every time he touched the ball. A Neville Out banner was also on display. “In moments of real adversity, you learn a lot about yourself and the players you have, and I was incredibly proud (pause) of the young boy they were booing,” Neville said about his son Harvey.
“It showed great courage. It hurt. It hurt. But I understand, and I think he understands. Do I agree with it? Probably not. But I’m his coach and I believe in young players.”
Neville has told fans to lay the blame at his door - not his young players. "That’s what I’d say: `Hit me guys, I can handle that. I can take that. I’ve had it all my career,’” Neville said. “We have the best fans. I understand their frustration, the banners, and all that because it comes with the territory being a professional football manager.
"I would say to the supporters, `Just come for me.’ Support the team and the young boys…Don’t knock one of our own. Just come for me. If you’re unhappy, hit the manager. Don’t go for one of my young kids. That hurts and that’s personal.”
Former Tottenham and Newcastle star, DeAndre Yedlin, had a similar message for the Inter Miami fans and called for the abuse of Neville's son to stop. Yedlin was the stand-in captain with Gregore out injured. "We understand the fans’ frustration, we’re frustrated, as well, and have not been nearly good enough,” Yedlin said.
“As far as booing Harvey, he’s one of us. If you’re going to boo Harvey, then boo all of us. He’s done the steps he needed to do to get playing time and get on the field. He works hard every day in training like everyone else.
"He’s not here just because his father’s the coach. He’s a great young player. I don’t think it’s right to go after one player, especially a young player.”
