Commenting on the build-up, Wright remarked: “I have spoken about the spirit of football and all the things that come with the spirit of the game. I think here, they have got no idea and clue of the spirit of the game and what is happening and what’s happened. Then you look also at people who keep saying things like keep saying things like ‘keep politics out of sport’. What are they saying now?”
Meanwhile, Neville added: “That to me is ridiculous the fact that the referee is not able to come into this country. He’s a FIFA referee and someone who has been lauded as someone who is the very best. You have that statue over your shoulder, the Statue of Liberty. I don’t think he will be feeling like that now.