Gary Neville’s unlikely message to Cesc Fabregas after the Man Utd tunnel incident

The memorable clash between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford in 2004, now known as the ‘Battle of the Buffet’, is one of the most talked about matches in Premier League history.

The Red Devils triumphed 2-0, ending Arsenal’s impressive 49-game unbeaten run, but the focus was on the infamous post-match brawl. When the final whistle blew, the mood on the pitch was already high.

And as both teams headed down the tunnel, a scuffle broke out between angry United and Arsenal players, culminating in a slice of pizza being hurled at Sir Alex Ferguson. The identity of the pizza thrower remained a mystery for years. However, it was only a few years ago that Cesc Fabregas finally admitted to being the perpetrator.

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Speaking to ITV Sport in 2022, the former Spain international admitted that his anger got the better of him after the game but he never intended to get involved in the tunnel dispute, reports the Manchester Evening News. The incident was sparked by Arsene Wenger criticizing Ruud van Nistelrooy, leading to a heated exchange between both sides, with the feuding managers at the center of the argument.

About the incident, Fabregas said: “We were 49 games unbeaten.” They were so competitive, but they were very smart people. I also got a lot of stick. ‘”

Fabregas also spoke about the infamous “Pizzagate” incident, expressing his frustration over not playing and throwing the play in the heat of the moment. He revealed: “So, I was very frustrated. You’re warming up and haven’t played. You’re annoyed that you lost.”

“I just quickly went to the locker room and there was something to eat, I was starving. I grabbed a slice of pizza and we started hearing noises. You started seeing players and Arsene Wenger everywhere.”

“I just quickly went to the locker room and there was something to eat, I was starving. I grabbed a slice of pizza and we started hearing noises. You started seeing players and Arsene Wenger everywhere.”

Fabregas also shared that his immediate reaction when faced with intimidating Manchester United players was to use the pizza as a weapon, confessing: “The first thing that came to my mind was to throw the pizza because I didn’t have either “We still had the strength and what it took.” Maybe they have the courage to go into this fight. They were super, super big guys.

Man United legend Gary Neville looked back on the intense rivalry and enjoyed the clashes with Arsenal, admitting there was a lot at stake. In an interview with Sky Sports in 2016, he said: “Every time they lost they didn’t seem to cope with it particularly well and they probably thought the same about us.”

Neville also recalled the heated encounters, admitting that while there was always a contentious moment in those games, they are now fondly remembered: “During the game there always seemed to be a spark, but in hindsight there were great games.” And I’m sure fans of both clubs would look and say what great games those were. When you think about it, it was great to be a part of.”

Years later, reflecting on the infamous Pizza Gate incident, Neville confessed that he still remains in the dark about who the actual food slinger was, but gave his candid view of the post-match uproar in an interview in which he said: “I remember that there was a kind of Mele.

“I used to think they were sore losers, they probably thought we were too. I don’t even know who threw the pizza back then, I know it was reported because it was Fabregas, but I don’t even know if that’s true.” True. Good luck to him if he threw it. I think if it were in your hand you would throw it.

Neville and Fabregas are not the only ones who have reflected on the pizza affair, Rio Ferdinand also commented on his podcast “Vibe with Five”. He said: “I don’t think he (Fabregas) meant to throw it at the gaffer, I think he just threw it out the door and the gaffer went past. It hit him, the lasting memory was a security for me.” The security guard had to stop him from getting into the locker room.