Ian Hislop praised for calling out Gary Neville’s ‘hypocrisy’ over Qatar World Cup

Ian Hislop has been praised for calling out Gary Neville’s ‘hypocrisy’ over his World Cup coverage in Qatar.

Neville appeared as a guest host on the comedy panel show Have I Got News For You last Friday (November 4th), where he discussed the upcoming World Cup tournament in Qatar, where he will be commentating on England’s matches from.

The FA’s decision to host the World Cup in Qatar has been shrouded in controversy due to the country’s human right’s record and its use of migrant workers to build the stadium, thousands of whom are said to have died or have been seriously injured in the run-up to the tournament. 

So, when the former Manchester United star asked fellow panellist Ian Hislop if it was ‘coming home’, Hislop swiped back by asking: “What, your reputation?”.

And referring to Neville’s outspoken stance against the tournament being held in Qatar, Hislop added: “The others have been very gentle with you, Gary, but the elephant in the room is still there… You’re commentating there [in Qatar], aren’t you?”

When Neville confirmed that he would be commentating out in Qatar, Hislop continued: “And what’s the defence?”, to which Neville responded: “Well, you’ve got a choice, I think, haven’t you?”.

At this, Hislop quipped: “What, going or not going?”.

Neville continued to defend his decision to travel to Qatar for the tournament, saying: “My view always has been, you either highlight the issues and challenges in these countries, and speak about them, or you basically don’t say anything and stay back home, and don’t go.

“And I’ve always said we should challenge them.”

Hislop then pointed out: “There’s another option… you stay at home and highlight the abuses. You don’t have to go and take the Qataris’ money… it’s just not a very good defence.”

While Neville attempted to laugh the remarks off, many viewers at home were quick to praise Hislop for calling out his ‘hypocrisy’ surrounding the matter.

One person commented: “The criticism Gary Neville receives over Qatar is fair. Gary often puts himself on a holier than thou pedestal…. So traveling to Qatar and taking Qatari state money certainly makes him a shameless hypocrite.”

A third noted: “So @GNev2 is going to use his commentary role in Qatar to criticise the host’s record on human rights. He intends to do this whilst they pay him a very large sum of money.”

Neville seemed to take the criticism in his stride, however, with him taking to Twitter shortly after the episode aired on Friday night.

He joked: “Must watch if you want to watch someone well out of their comfort zone, sweating, dry mouth and getting caught with a few punches on the face on Qatar off Ian Hislop”.