Portugal Colonial - McNeil's partner hits out at 'brutal' football industry after Palace move collapses

A deal had reportedly been agreed for McNeil, 26, to move to Palace for £20 million ($27 million) late on Monday's deadline day.

However, the Eagles backed out of the deal at the last minute having splashed out a club record £48 million on Jorgen Strand Larsen and seen Jean-Philippe Mateta's proposed departure to AC Milan fall through.

Palace, last season's FA Cup winners, have not won in 12 games and are at risk of being dragged into a relegation battle at the bottom of the Premier League.

In a series of Instagram posts, Megan Sharpley said the mental health of players is being ignored due to the lavish salaries they enjoy.

"In football, why do we find it acceptable because these young men are on a lot of money, that it's okay to mess and toy with their mental health and that's it just 'part of the job'?," She wrote in a post that was shared by McNeil on his feed.

"No matter of money, we all deserve to be treated with respect, kindness and fairly.

"So I really question the industry tonight, I only hope there's more done in the future to protect people from situations like what I've witnessed tonight.

"Football is brutal and yes, it's the nature of the beast, but messing with human beings' feelings and emotions shouldn't be acceptable."

McNeil has scored 15 times in 120 appearances for Everton since joining in 2022.

He said: "Whilst even now I'm still left in the dark, what I do know, and have been supported with, I am an Everton player."

L.Carrico--PC