Dwight McNeil’s girlfriend has released an emotional statement on social media criticizing Crystal Palace for their failed transfer.
McNeil was due to leave Everton on deadline day after agreeing a loan-cum-buy deal with Palace.
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The winger had undergone a medical in the final hours ahead of his future £20million move to Selhurst Park.
But when the clock struck 7pm and the Premier League transfer deadline had passed, the impending move fell through.
The Pitch Prospect understands the relevant paperwork was not submitted to the league in time to complete the deal.
And that’s something that leaves McNeil’s partner Megan Sharpley completely devastated for him.
Sharpley began a lengthy statement on Instagram, writing: “Dwight, I have always been in awe of your job, the way you have dedicated most of your life to achieving what only 0.1% achieve.”
“I know you love your job and the sport and know how lucky you are to do what most people only dream of.”
“We appreciate our lives, how lucky we are, and the millions of football fans who keep the sport alive and ultimately secure you the job you love.”
“You have sacrificed a lot and most people have no idea of the difficult hardships you have endured and overcome in your personal life and we move on, this is who we are, we appreciate how blessed our lives are.”
“But the world doesn’t seem to accept that someone as lucky as you is allowed to suffer difficulties and be sad, but you are a human being, a beautiful, incredible 26-year-old human being, and no matter the money or the success you’ve worked so hard for, you’re allowed to feel.”
McNeil’s girlfriend continued: “Tonight and the last 48 hours have broken my heart to see how cruel the football world you love so much can be to you.”
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“To be promised something, to be dragged along on an emotional rollercoaster ride and to have played with it until the last minute.”
“That you were promised four and a half years of your life, travel, medical treatments, arrangements made…promises made, prepared for, your entire life, our life, is 100 miles away in a matter of hours.”
“To have it ripped away from you at the last second, without any explanation. Walking away from it all – in radio silence, no phone calls, no communication, and being left behind, heartbroken and nothing but confusion, hurt more than I can say.”
“I sit with you and know in my heart and deep in my soul that you will bounce back from this.
“I am your biggest supporter and I know you will get through this with a fire in your belly and a motivation that no one can stop.”
“I’ve already seen it tonight, even though you’re facing the lowest point of your career.”
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“I question the industry”
Sharpley took aim at the football industry and raised questions about the treatment of players in McNeil’s situation.
“We live in a world where everyone is aware of how big the problem mental health is,” she said. “Why do we find it acceptable in football that it’s OK to struggle with your mental health and play when these young men are making a lot of money and that it’s just ‘part of the job’?”
“No matter how much money we have, we all deserve to be treated with respect, kindness and fairness.
“That’s why I’m really questioning the industry tonight. I just hope more is done in the future to protect people from situations like the one I experienced tonight. Football is brutal and yes, that’s the nature of the beast, but messing with people’s feelings and emotions shouldn’t be acceptable.”
“People only see one side in the media, you don’t see the tears, the emotions and the despair that I saw tonight.”
“Dwight, to the present and the future. Everything happens for a reason, I will always believe that what is meant for you will find you, and with your hard work and determination, I will never doubt that only the best will come your way, and I am so excited to see what you can achieve…”
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McNeil’s answer
After his girlfriend made an emotional statement about the events on Deadline Day, McNeil posted a response on his own social media.
He wrote: “Although even now I remain in the dark about what I know and what I have been supported by, I am an Everton player.”
“I’ll use this as motivation, I love you moo, I can’t thank you enough for all your love and support.”
McNeil is likely to be back in the Everton squad this weekend when the Toffees face Fulham at Craven Cottage.
He has played a supporting role for David Moyes’ side so far this season, making 14 appearances and providing one assist.
He hopes to be able to play more regular football at Hill Dickinson Stadium for the rest of the season.