Former broadcaster Mike Parry has launched a scathing attack on plans to knight Gareth Southgate, calling it “an absolute disgrace” on GB News.
The outspoken critic blasted the decision to honour the former England manager, declaring: “I think it’s a disgrace we’re giving a knighthood to a loser”.
Parry questioned the merit of recognising Southgate’s near-misses in major tournaments, asking: “What’s the distinction between someone who was nearly a winner and someone who was a winner?”
Southgate is reportedly set to receive a knighthood in the New Year Honours List after being cleared of tax concerns.
Mike Parry lashed out at Gareth Southgate
GB NEWS
The former England manager had previously invested in Ingenious Media, a film investment scheme that came under HMRC scrutiny.
The honour was initially delayed in 2021 when Southgate was placed on a ‘tax risk list’.
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Gareth Southgate has been heavily criticised Getty A source told The Sun: “Now he’s cleared the checks, people are talking about him becoming ‘Sir Gareth’.”
The same source added: “Gareth deserves the knighthood and people in high places want to honour him.”
During his eight-year tenure, Southgate guided England to their first two major tournament finals since the 1966 World Cup triumph.
The 54-year-old managed the Three Lions for 102 matches, securing 64 wins, 20 draws and just 18 losses.
Mike Parry thinks there are more worthy candidates than Gareth Southgate, like David Beckham
GB NEWS
His achievements included reaching the Euro 2024 final, where England suffered a devastating 2-1 defeat to Spain.
A source told The Sun: “He was a tremendous servant to England and came close to leading the team to their first silverware since 1966.”
Parry drew a stark comparison with England’s World Cup-winning manager, stating: “Sir Alf Ramsey got a knighthood for winning a World Cup. Gareth Southgate is going to get one for not winning one.”
The critic also highlighted other sporting achievements, questioning the honour’s merit compared to Olympic champions.
“What about the Olympic champions? We have Tanni Grey-Thompson, a record-winning Para athlete,” Parry said on GB News.
If Southgate receives the honour, he would become only the third England manager to be knighted, following Sir Alf Ramsey and Sir Bobby Robson.
Ministers rarely bestow knighthoods in football, with Kenny Dalglish being the last former professional to receive the honour in 2018.
Tax issues have previously affected other football figures’ honours, with former England captain David Beckham notably being snubbed for similar reasons.
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