Gary Neville has disclosed that he was genuinely worried about being set upon by a dog during a disturbing street encounter over the weekend, in which he was subjected to foul verbal abuse.
The Sky Sports pundit was walking alongside his wife Emma when a man approached and began filming while hurling obscenities at the former Manchester United defender.
Video of the confrontation emerged on social media this week, showing the individual repeatedly swearing at the 51-year-old and accusing him of being out of touch with working-class people.
The abuser also claimed that Neville's own supporters had turned against him.
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Speaking on The Overlap, Neville explained that he had been making his way to watch the band James perform live, accompanied by former teammate Roy Keane.
"It was a brilliant concert. So I walked to the concert, and then a guy just starts going," he recounted.
Fellow panellist Ian Wright highlighted that Neville's wife had been present during the abuse.
Gary Neville has disclosed that he was genuinely worried about being set upon by a dog during a disturbing street encounter over the weekend, in which he was subjected to foul verbal abuse | X"That's the bit for me I think is wrong. To be fair, it's the first time it's happened like that. But when you're with your wife..." Neville responded.
The pundit expressed regret at not capturing footage of his abuser.
"Do you know what I should have done - the mistake I made? I should have filmed him, because no one can see who he is," he reflected.
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Five facts about the Premier League | PA/GETTY/REUTERS/GBNEWSNeville revealed that his aggressor had a dog with him that appeared particularly menacing.
"He had quite a, I'm presuming, a really aggressive dog with him on a lead," the pundit stated.
The former England international admitted he was genuinely fearful that the animal might be used against him during the altercation.
"Situations like these are truly scary and I can assure you they are not delightful," she wrote.
Gary Neville feared for his safety during the incident
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Former Wales striker John Hartson was equally scathing in his assessment of the incident.
"What does this moron think he is achieving," he questioned, adding: "Gary with one of his family and some t** is abusing him in public. If you feel like you want to abuse people gone do it in front of your tv screen not in public. Not very clever!"
Jill Scott, speaking on The Overlap, described the confrontation as completely unacceptable.
"But to approach you in the street and start swearing, I just think...Like, people can have difference of opinions or whatever, but I just think it was so out of order," she said.