Dwight McNeil’s partner criticises Crystal Palace after move collapsed | OneFootball

Dwight McNeil’s partner criticised Crystal Palace for their “radio silence” after the winger’s move collapsed late on Deadline Day.

Reports suggest that Palace had agreed a loan with an obligation to buy the 26-year-old for £20M permanently in the summer. McNeil completed his medical and the London-based side submitted a dealsheet before the 7 pm deadline on Monday.

However, the move inexplicably collapsed after some necessary paperwork didn’t go through in time and McNeil’s partner, Megan Sharpley, accused the club of toying with the player’s emotions.

In a sharp social media post, Sharpley mentioned that a 4½-year contract had been offered to the player which involved shifting his family miles away before having it "torn away" and even worse, with little explanation offered.

"We live in a world where everyone is aware of how big a problem mental health is," Sharpley wrote on Instagram.

"So, in football, why do we find it acceptable because these young men are on a lot of money and that's okay to mess and toy with their mental health and that it's just part of the job?

"We all deserve to be treated with respect, kindness, and fairly. The last 48 hours have broken my heart to see how the football world you love so much can be so cruel to you.

"To have something promised to you, to have been dragged along on an emotional rollercoaster and to be toyed with until the final minute.

"For that to be torn away from you at the last second with absolutely no explanation — going from everything to radio silence, no phone call, no communication, and be left broken-hearted with nothing but confusion — has hurt more than I can say."

McNeil then reposted his partner’s stories on Instagram while expressing the support he’s received from Everton and his commitment to the Blues.

"Whilst even now I'm still left in the dark... what I do know, and have been supported with, I am an Everton player. I will use this as motivation," he wrote.

Reader Comments (6)

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Andrew Merrick 2 Posted 03/02/2026 at 12:12:54

I know there were quite a few voices saying goodbye, bite Palaces hand off, but Dwight and his partner are normal people with normal feelings.

Its easy to forget that these highly paid guys react just the same as anyone else would if you let them down, poor show from Palace.

It's a shame Saturday's game is not at home.

I think the majority of supporters would like to show a bit of sympathy at a depressing situation and help pick up a fellow human being, irrespective of what happens on the field.

Ray Jacques 5 Posted 03/02/2026 at 12:36:28

Andrew, I wanted McNeil to leave and was happy that Palace were taking him.

That does not mean that I wish the lad any ill will. It is simply a sporting opinion on his ability as a footballer.

Hopefully he can settle back in and contribute to the second half of the season.

I agree about the behaviour of Palace and an explanation or apology should be forthcoming.