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The Manchester United legends were keen to point out experiences where they believed that opponents were on steroids
Manchester United legends Gary Neville and Roy Keane have raised serious allegations against some Italian football teams, suggesting that during Sir Alex Ferguson's tenure, the clubs they encountered in European competitions were involved in doping.
These accusations bring to light concerns about the fairness and integrity of matches played against some of Italy's most prestigious clubs, including Inter Milan, AC Milan, Juventus, Fiorentina, Roma, and Lazio.
Neville and Keane make incredible allegations on doping and Italian teams
The claims were made during an episode of the Stick To Football podcast, where Neville and Keane, alongside Jamie Carragher and Ian Wright, delved into a range of football topics. It was during this discussion that Neville drew parallels between the doping scandals that have plagued other sports, such as cycling, and the suspicions they had about the Italian teams they faced.
Neville specifically mentioned, "There are a couple that stick in my mind. I think there were a few teams that we played against that weren’t clean. We thought it at the time. I remember me and Giggsy in the mid-2000s … around the mid-90s. My point is that when you look back now at what came out after in cycling and other sports and doctors, we thought at the time there were things that physically … sorry, we were fit, we weren’t drinkers, we were fit, there’s something not right."
Echoing Neville's sentiments, Keane shared his own experiences, recounting the physical toll these matches took on him and his disbelief at the condition of their Italian counterparts post-match. "When we played certain teams I would be walking off and you were absolutely shattered," Keane recalled. "I remember it. I would be looking at the players I played against, a couple of the Italian teams, and they looked like they’d not even played a match."
Neville and Kean question integrity of European football in 90s and early 00s
The duo's reluctance to name specific individuals or clubs doesn't diminish the gravity of their accusations. Instead, it invites a broader discussion about the era, the competitive environment, and the measures in place to ensure a level playing field.
These allegations by Neville and Keane not only highlight their own observations and suspicions from their playing days but also raise questions about the effectiveness of anti-doping measures within football during that period. The integrity of the sport hinges on its ability to enforce and uphold strict anti-doping regulations, ensuring that all teams and players compete under equal conditions.
As the football world reflects on these accusations, it's a reminder of the ongoing battle against doping in sports and the importance of vigilance, transparency, and fairness to preserve the competitive spirit and integrity of the game. The comments from these Manchester United legends open up a dialogue that, while uncomfortable, is necessary for the continued trust and enjoyment of football by fans and players alike.
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