Gary Neville ‘squirms’ on Have I Got News For You as Ian Hislop asks him awkward question about Qatar World Cup

Gary Neville was a surprise host of BBC’s Have I Got News For You on Friday night as he joined regulars Ian Hislop and Paul Merton for the BBC show which takes a light-hearted dig at recent current events.

The former Manchester United star dished out the questions and received positive reviews for his debut in the role. However, many viewers were quick to praise Ian Hislop as he took aim at Gary Neville’s decision to fly to Qatar to cover the World Cup.

The experienced pundit confirmed he will be going to the Middle East despite huge controversy over the winter World Cup and the ethics of the Saudi country where foreign labourers died building the stadiums and LGBT rights repressed.

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Speaking to Gary, Ian said: “The others have been very gentle with you, Gary, but the elephant in the room is still there. I mean, you’re commentating there aren’t you?” Gary confirmed he was, prompting Ian to ask: “And what’s the defence?”

Gary responded saying: “Well, you’ve got a choice there haven’t you?” Ian then said: “What? Going or not going?” Gary again responded by saying: “My view has always been that you either highlight the issues and challenges in these countries and speak about them or you basically don’t say anything and you stay back home and don’t go and I’ve always said you should challenge them.”

Ian, with his hand resting against his head, then said back to Gary: “There’s another option – you stay at home and highlight the abuses. You don’t have to go and take the Qataris’ money.”

This prompted a big round of applause from the audience before Ian said his reason for attending was “not very good”. Viewers were quick to notice Ian’s take down of Gary and they tweeted their pleasure at seeing the “awkward” exchange on Twitter.

@donttakethepeas wrote: “Gary Neville unable to defend his position on taking money from #Quatar2022. Well done Ian Hislop #hignfy.” @thelovelysarah posted: “Well done, Ian Hislop and co, for highlighting the hypocrisy of @GNev2 and the others making money off of the #QatarWorldCup2022 whilst pretending they give a shit about the human rights abuses #hignfy.”

@jcw_72 wrote: “Well done Ian hislop for making Gary Neville squirm tonight. He’s spot on,” with @mikelavelle93 posting a similar tweet. He said: “Ian Hislop making Gary Neville squirm there #HIGNFY.”

Have I Got News For You airs every Friday on BBC One at 9pm.

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