Important to remember that footballers are human beings. When Megan Sharpley, Dwight McNeil’s partner, underwent major surgery in 2023, the Everton player slept by her bed in the hospital, supporting her in such a difficult time. “You dressed me, you washed me, you carried me, you injected me, you juggled all your commitments whilst supporting me and never complained,” she posted at the time. McNeil played three times for Everton in that period. I once spent a couple of hours with Dwight and Megan at an Everton In The Community event and they’re a strong couple. As strong couples do, Megan now stands up for her frustrated partner following the collapse of his move to Crystal Palace and, she says in her powerful, heartfelt post on Instagram, Palace’s failure to communicate reasons or show compassion. Palace may well be able to provide an explanation. Their fans are currently on forums suggesting their club should. Football’s an industry, as well as a sport, but it is worth remembering the human side to those involved.