Dwight McNeil’s girlfriend has posted an emotional statement on social media, criticising Crystal Palace for his failed transfer.
McNeil was set to leave Everton on deadline day after a deal was agreed with Palace for a loan with an obligation to buy.
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McNeil had his late move to Palace collapse in the final moments of deadline dayCredit: Getty
The winger had undergone a medical in the final hours of the window ahead of his future £20million move to Selhurst Park.
However, as the clock struck 7pm and the Premier League transfer deadline passed, the imminent switch collapsed.
talkSPORT understands that the relevant paperwork was not submitted to the league in time to get the deal done.
And that is something that has left McNeil’s partner, Megan Sharpley, feeling completely devastated for him.
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Sharpley began a long statement on Instagram, writing: “Dwight, I’ve always been in awe of your job, the way you’ve committed most of your life to achieve what only the O.1% achieve.
“I know you love your job, the sport and you know how lucky you are to do what most people only dreams of.
“We appreciate our lives, how fortunate we are, and the millions of football fans that keep the game alive and ultimately keep you in a job you adore.
“You’ve sacrificed a lot and most people don’t have much of an idea of the difficult hardships you’ve suffered and dealt with in your personal life, and we crack on, that’s who we are, we appreciate how blessed our lives are.
“But the world doesn’t seem to accept that someone as fortunate as you is allowed to suffer hardships and feel sad, but you’re a human, a beautiful, incredible 26-year-old human being, and no matter about money or the success you’ve worked so hard to achieve, you are allowed to feel.”
McNeil’s girlfriend continued: “Tonight, and the last 48 hours, have broken my heart to see how the football world you love so much can be so cruel to you.
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Sharpley took to Instagram to post her emotional statementCredit: Instagram
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She has been left devastated by McNeil’s late transfer collapseCredit: Instagram
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McNeil has played for Everton since 2022 and was set to leave the clubCredit: Getty
“To have something promised to you, to have been dragged along on an emotional rollercoaster, and to be toyed with until the final minute.
“To have 4 and a half years of your life promised to you, travelling, medicals, agreements made… promises made, to have prepared to move your entire life, our life’s 100 of miles away in the space of a few hours.
“For it to be torn away from you at the last second, with absolutely no explanation. Going from everything – to radio silence, no phone call, no communication and be left, broken-hearted with nothing but confusion, has hurt more than I can say
“I sit with you, knowing in my heart and deep down into my soul that you will bounce back from this.
“I am your biggest supporter, and I know you will overcome this with a fire in your belly and a motivation that no one can stop.
“I have already seen it tonight, even whilst you’re facing the lowest point of your career.”
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Sharpley went on to question the footballing industry for the treatment of playersCredit: Instagram
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And she sent a final message to McNeil, with the winger replying on his own socialsCredit: v’I question the industry’
Sharpley went on to take aim at the footballing industry and raised questions over the treatment of players in McNeil’s situation.
“We live in a world where everyone is aware how big of a problem mental health is,” she said. “So in football, why do we find it acceptable because these young men are on a lot of money, that it’s okay to mess and toy with their mental health and that’s it just ‘part of the job’?
“No matter of money, we all deserve to be treated with respect, kindness and fairly.
“So I really question the industry tonight, I only hope there’s more done in the future to protect people from situations like what I’ve witnessed tonight Football is brutal and yes, it’s the nature of the beast, but messing with human beings feelings and emotions shouldn’t be acceptable.
“People only see one side on the media, you don’t see the tears, the emotion and the distress I’ve seen tonight.
“Dwight, to the present, and the future. Every single thing happens for a reason, I will always believe what is meant for you will find you, and with your hard work and determination, I’ll never doubt only the best will come your way, and I’m so excited to see what you can achieve…”
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McNeil responded to his girlfriend’s emotional statement on social mediaCredit: GettyMcNeil’s response
Following his girlfriend’s emotional take on the deadline day events, McNeil posted a response on his own social media.
He wrote: “Whilst even now I’m still left in the dark, what I do know, and have been supported with, I am an Everton player.
“I will use this as motivation, I love you moo, I couldn’t thank you enough for all of your love and support.”
McNeil will likely be in the Everton squad again this weekend, when the Toffees take on Fulham at Craven Cottage.
So far this season, he has played a bit-part role for David Moyes‘ side, making 14 appearances and providing one assist.
He hopes that for the remainder of the campaign, he is now able to find some more regular football at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Everton stick by McNeil
Since McNeil’s girlfriend’s post spread around, Everton have now posted a statement of their own, backing their player.
Another post from Sharpley read: “Here’s to carrying on being an Everton player. The support we’ve had from the club, especially during my illness, has meant a lot on our journey, so let’s keep working and grafting for this badge.
“Let’s keep going, Dwight, show them who you are. I’m right by your side.”
And Everton wrote in response: “Still one of us and a big few months ahead. Everyone at Everton is behind you, Dwight.”
talkSPORT’s take
Former Premier League striker Gabby Agbonlahor said on talkSPORT Breakfast after the emotional words: “I 100 per cent feel for him.
“I think with McNeil, he’s probably travelled to London and promised a contract, all excited to look at houses and then boom.
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“This is what happens in football. It can happen both ways though, sometimes players can mess clubs around.
“Hopefully, in the summer, he gets the move he deserves.”
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