Neville fears ‘diver’ taunt will make him target for refs

GARY NEVILLE fears the ‘diver’ taunt, levelled at him by referee Graham Poll, has turned him into a marked man among the men in black.

In Tuesday night's 2-0 win over Charlton, the long-serving Manchester United back was yellow-carded for the second game in succession after Poll's comments, which date back to last month's Premiership tie with Arsenal at Highbury.

Poll claimed he should have cautioned Neville for diving during that game as Jeff Winter had done during the stormy FA Cup derby with Manchester City in February, which saw Neville sent off for the second time in his Old Trafford career.

Alex Ferguson hit out at Poll's comments, and Neville is adamant they were a major factor in Steve Dunn's decision to book him for dissent last night after the defender queried one of his rulings.

"The referee couldn't wait to book me last night," said Neville.

"I just hope it doesn't cost me over the long-term because it did last night."