Gary Neville got a telling off after making Man City Premier League charges joke live on Sky Sports

Gary Neville was told off for a joke he thought was hilarious on Sky Sports on Sunday night.

Neville provided co-commentary for Manchester City's 3-1 win over Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium, where the Premier League champions cut Arsenal's lead at the top of the table to three points.

City blew Villa away in the first half courtesy of goals from Rodri, Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez, with Ollie Watkins bagging a second half consolation for the visitors.

It was City's first game since being hit with 115 financial charges over nine seasons by the Premier League and fans reacted by booing the anthem and following up with banners and chants.

After the match, Neville was in the studio for extra analysis but he couldn't resist a bit of comedy.

Prior to going off the air, Kelly Cates plugged Sky's documentary on City's 1998/1999 promotion season, when they came from 2-0 down in stoppage time against Gillingham to win the play-off final on penalties.

It's titled, 'We're Not Really Here: Man City' - a nod to one of the club's classic songs. But as soon as Cates said that sentence, Neville chimed in: "Might not be in a few years..."

He laughed profusely and Micah Richards, a City hero, told him to "tone it down, will you".

Roy Keane smiled but Cates said, "We nearly got through it Gary" as he replied, "I'm only joking Micah relax, you can't joke anymore".

Cates made sure to cover all bases by adding: "We can't pre-judge the outcome of any investigation, as you well know."

She then professionally finished advertising the programme but conceded, "From all of us here, I think it's probably best we go, don't you?".

The charges were announced by the Premier League on Monday following a four-year investigation and other clubs pressured for the heaviest sanctions - including expulsion from the league and points deductions - if City were to be found guilty.

Pep Guardiola came out fighting in his press conference on Friday and passionately defended his club, stressing, “I am fully convinced that we will be innocent".

City, who have hired top lawyer Lord Pannick KC of Blackstone Chambers, are believed to welcome the review and the opportunity to clear their name.

They return to action in a huge top of the table clash with Arsenal on Wednesday and have the chance to usurp the Gunners as league leaders with a win.

Featured Image Credit: Sky Sports

Topics: Gary Neville, Sky Sports, Premier League, Manchester City, Micah Richards

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

@joshlawless_