Gary Neville has invited Health Secretary Matt Hancock to join him on Monday Night Football to debate footballers' wages amid the coronavirus pandemic.
During a government press briefing earlier this week, Hancock called on Premier League players to "make a contribution" as the UK grapples with the pressures of lockdown due to the spread of Covid-19.
Footballers are coming under increasing pressure to agree to wage cuts and/or deferrals. On Saturday afternoon, the Premier League discussed its suggested wage deductions or deferrals strategy as it gets to grips with the coronavirus crisis with all clubs, the PFA and League Managers Association via conference call.
The Professional Footballers' Association hit back on Saturday evening, warning that Premier League players taking a 30 per cent salary cut would amount to the government losing out on in excess of £200million in tax revenues.
Hancock called on top-flight players to "take a pay cut and play their part," and followed up that request on Sunday by suggesting that footballers should "club together" and offer financial help to hospices.
The Health Secretary said: “I’m putting more money - taxpayers’ money - into hospices to support them, but why don’t our footballers club together and support our hospices and support the national effort we’re all in."
Following Hancock's latest contribution to the debate, former Manchester United captain Neville challenged the Health Secretary to join him and Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher on a "special edition" of Sky Sports' MNF show.
Neville tweeted: "Hey @MattHancock seeing as though you’re focusing on football so much can you come on @SkySportsMNF this week?
Special edition. Questions from the football community / fans will be presented by me, @DavidJonesSky and @Carra23".
Neville had been critical of Hancock's initial suggestion about Premier League players taking a wage cut, tweeting on April 2: "I wish I was a player for 10 more mins.
"The PL players are more than likely working on a proposal to help clubs, communities and The NHS. It takes longer than 2 weeks to put together. Matt Hancock calling them out when he can’t get tests in place for NHS staff is a f@@@@@g cheek!"
The former England and United full-back has responded to the Covid-19 crisis by offering NHS staff free rooms his two hotels in Manchester, and has confirmed that none of his hotel staff will be furloughed.
