Parish called McNeil's partner to clear the air before Palace transfer completed

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish personally contacted Dwight McNeil's partner, Megan Sharpley, before completing the winger's signing on 11 August 2026. Sharpley had accused Palace on Instagram of toying with players' mental health after a January loan-to-buy deal collapsed at the paperwork stage. McNeil signed a four-year contract in a swap sending Brennan Johnson to Everton.