GARY NEVILLE believes he “overstepped the mark” with his criticism of Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius.
Karius has been undergoing a turbulent five-year stint with the Reds, which has seen him going out on loan to Besiktas and Union Berlin in the last three seasons.
A series of errors between the sticks have led to the German shot-stopper getting replaced by Alisson in the starting line-up and Adrian being established as second choice.
The 28-year-old lost his place after an error-laden performance in the Champions League final three years ago, which saw the Merseysiders losing 3-1 to Real Madrid.
Karius received vile death threats after the match, even though it was later proven that he played with a concussion.
Neville was previously critical of the former Germany international in 2016 when he made a crucial mistake that led to Bournemouth beating Liverpool 4-3.
The Manchester United legend now admits he “went too far” and should have known better as a former professional.
Neville told the Mail:”I think I have overstepped the mark once in punditry when I have attacked a player that was above and beyond what I should have done as an ex-pro, a coach and an owner.
“I think I am a respectable human being. I thought I went too far on Karius. I said Liverpool would never win the league with him.
“He criticised me after and so did Jurgen Klopp. No problem. I look back now and think I criticised the lad too much for his age, his position.
“I actually think I was right. They signed Alisson and [Virgil] van Dijk and won it [the Premier League]. But that doesn’t mean I should have done it.
“I think Gary Neville as a decent human being and professional – knowing how difficult it is to play for United and Liverpool – went too far.
“Even when [Luis] Suarez bit [Branislav] Ivanovic and some pundits said that was the end of him in England, I defended him on Monday Night Football.
“I have been in dressing room where players have done things. Not bites, but stuff.
“I want to finish my career with integrity and I will not call for players or managers to be kicked out of clubs, not on performances anyway.”
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