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 (12)

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Christ he's absolutely dog shit and gets about £40k per week I presume… boo fucking hoo.

Now, his bird's giving us a sob story like I'm supposed to feel bad for the lad. If she thinks a failed move to Crystal Palace is heart-breaking then they need a dose of the real world.

I'm quite sorry but finances do come into it… Do we all understand that Premier League footballers only train for 90 minutes a day! When our lads show up to training each day, it's only for 90 minutes. And they get £30-100k a week.

Meanwhile, I'm working 50 hours a week for a tiny percentage of that… Palace sold Eze, Olise, and almost Mateta. Then tried to replace them with Dwight McShite 😂

Tin pot Palace.

Sean, 105, you seem nice.

Anyway, we'd be in the Championship without Dwight's goals. In various spells, he was our main threat. He's been asked to play out of position for a club that's been in turmoil while trying to cope with extremely serious health problems his partner was suffering from.

Last night, a fresh start was dangled in front of him and then snatched away at the last minute with no explanation. He's got every right to feel pissed off, but he'll probably do what he's done throughout his career. He'll train hard, and put in a shift on a Saturday if he's selected.

We all know he's gone through it in recent years, and we all know he's a tryer. This is a red line for supporters. You either support a player who's had a bad time, or you maggot away on your keyboard bitching about someone who's done far more for our club than you would ever do.

Let's build the guy up, it's in our interests if nothing else.

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.

It's 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.

Brian Cleveland 6 Posted 03/02/2026 at 12:28:04

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 8 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.

Sean Kearns 10 Posted 03/02/2026 at 12:41:14

Jason,

I'm what's known in these realms as a keyboard warrior. The internet gives me the freedom to spout off whatever I want without any repercussions, especially since it's just my own opinion anyway.

What a time to be alive! If anyone thinks Dwight is quality and benefits our team in any way, shape or form, then absolutely get to fuck!

He's one of the stragglers left from the dark days. Anyone involved with those calamitous, highly unprofessional dark days can do one. Jordan and Jarrad are exempt.

John Collins 12 Posted 03/02/2026 at 13:26:23

Uncalled for criticism here,regardless of how low you rate the player.

Little bit of thought for a fellow human beings circumstance would not go amiss.