Twitter critics pan Phil Neville commentary during England v Italy

Phil Neville is part of the BBC's team in Brazil that also includes Alan Shearer and Rio Ferdinand. Photo: Andrew Hayes-Watkins/BBC/Matthew Burlem

Phil Neville faced a backlash on Twitter following his an underwhelming narration of England's defeat to Italy in his World Cup co-commentary debut for the BBC. Players, fellow broadcasters and even South Warwickshire police took to Twitter to express their opinions on Neville's performance as a colour commentator.

will be playing recordings of Phil Neville all night to keep the streets all calm and sleepy. Remember respect residents #KnowYourLimit

- Policing South Warks (@SWarksCops) June 14, 2014

The former Manchester United and Everton player was widely criticised for his monotonous tone that appeared to add little to what was an fascinating Group D game, even failing to get excited when Daniel Sturridge equalised for England.

Norwich City's John Ruddy tweeted that 'Either the volume is very low or Phil Neville is under his duvet commentating so he doesn't wake anyone?!?' whilst former Liverpool player Didi Hamann wrote at half-time that 'If Phil Neville reads his twitter feed he may not come out for the second half.'

If Phil Neville reads his twitter feed he may not come out for the second half.

- Didi Hamann (@DietmarHamann) June 14, 2014

Perhaps as a precursor to this article, Ricky Gervais suggested that 'Journalists, bloggers, comedians, chat show hosts...don't bother writing anything about Phil Neville's commentary. It's already too late', before becoming more sympathetic towards the 37-year-old: 'I genuinely hope that Phil Neville doesn't ever read Twitter. Brutal.'

Danny Baker, who has hosted his own football show on the BBC, among others, did not hold back either, writing a series of tweets on his disdain for Neville's commentating style, and at one point contributed to the #monotone hashtag that quickly gathered momentum during Saturday night's game.

BBC: 'Phil Neville, weve an idea tonights match could get quite heated. So we want you to suck all the life out of it.' PN 'Will do boss!'

- Danny Baker (@prodnose) June 14, 2014